International Women's Day with The Blades
International Women’s Day. To me, it’s a day that celebrates all women, the pioneers that paved the way for us enabled us to follow any career we choose.
I was honoured to be invited by The Blades to take part in their IWD celebrations at Sywell, spearheaded by current Blade and former Red Arrow Kirsty Murphy alongside special guest Jo Salter - the first British female fast jet pilot.
The day was about nurturing the passion that these young female Air Scouts have for aviation by showing them that it’s possible for them to do the jobs that they dream of.
You could see the excitement on their faces as they arrived, pointing out to the aircraft outside, and as Kirsty and Jo introduced themselves they were awestruck (As was I!).
Kirsty Murphy The First Female Red Arrow & Blades Pilot
After the introductions, I sat down with Emily, Phoebe, Bonnie and Olivia to find out more about them. Olivia, such a confident young lady said, “ I want to be a pilot of big aeroplanes like you.” My heart melted a little bit.
The Air Scouts- Bonny, Emily, Olivia & Phoebe.
Emily, “I’d actually like to be an engineer.”
Bonnie “ Me too, I want to be an engineer”.
Then Phoebe, “I want to be a pilot, I already go flying with my dad doing aerobatics!”
It was so refreshing to see these young minds so freely passionate and determined to follow their dreams.
Jo Salter - First RAF Female Fast Jet Pilot
The Air Scouts are a fantastic organisation, with no government funding they rely fully on charitable donations. They go gliding every Friday and in between teach the children adventure and survival skills with an overall focus on aviation.
Blade 1, Andy Evans then briefed the team and off they went to fly their training sortie whilst we watched on in awe! Jo Salter, Kirsty’s Murphy’s mentor when she started flying in the RAF, flew with Kirsty, the smile on her face when they returned said it all!
Claire Harltely, inspiring aviation photographer, was there capturing it all on film, showcasing yet another brilliant career to the young girls.
It takes people and organisations such as the Air Scouts and The Blades to create these amazing opportunities for the next generations in order to realise their dreams and widen their horizons.
Thank you to The Blades, the Air Scouts and everyone else involved in the day. I was so proud to be a part of something so powerful helping the next generation realise their passion for aviation.
