Woburn Abbey - 28th International Tiger Moth Rally
Woburn Abbey has been associated with de Havilland aircraft and particularly the Tiger Moth since the first rally in 1980 when the de Havilland Moth Club were invited to organise a gathering of Moths in the Deer Park of Woburn Abbey by the Duke of Bedford. From that date the event was held annually until 2007 (apart from 2001 when the park was closed) and attended by enthusiasts from around the world. Moths were flown in from around the UK and Europe whilst on occasions owners shipped aircraft in from the USA and Australia to participate.
de Havilland Leopard Moth
After a 6 year break the event returned in 2013 with organisers hoping for around 100 aircraft to be involved including a flying display by various aircraft on the Sunday afternoon. A number of different de Havilland types were in evidence as well as aircraft from other manufacturers which were specially invited. The Rally certainly captures the spirit of flying and is a reminder of a bygone era in aviation. This year also marks the 80th anniversary of the first flight by a DH.85 Leopard Moth an aircraft type which had success in the Kings Cup air race.
Woburn had in fact experienced its first flight back in 1926 when the Duchess of Bedford had her first taste of aviation making a landing in the park. She subsequently became known as the 'Flying Duchess' and went on to set many world records in aviation. This was a year after the first Moth had been assembled by Geoffrey de Havilland making its maiden flight in 1925.
de Havilland Moth Club
The de Havilland Moth Club started in 1975 when a group of owners decided to form an association with the aim of sharing technical knowledge and assistance as well as facilitate the availability of spare parts for the aircraft. Initially it was formed as a Tiger Moth owners club but requests from owners of other Moth types began to filter in and soon it became open to those who owned other variations of Moths as well as other individuals who just had an interest in the type. Today the club has a membership of enthusiasts from around the world.
de Havilland aircraft photos
International Moth Rally 2013 Photos
Report by Simon Willson