English Chess Forum

It is interesting that a Russian shadow fleet tanker was recently boarded by the Royal Marines and NCA personnel this weekend four days before the Makerfield by-election. Make of that what you will.

My money is on Count Binface

The RAF joined in, that's one of their Chinooks delivering new passengers to the ship.

Kevin Thurlow wrote: ↑

Sun Jun 14, 2026 1:43 pm

The RAF joined in, that's one of their Chinooks delivering new passengers to the ship.

Armed Forces day will be on June 27th in Aldershot and I shall be attending. John Healey (not related to Dennis) will be providing the opening remarks allegedly.

Chinooks fly over myself regularly taking SAS personnel from RAF Odiham to elsewhere. Their rotor blades sounds and rotor wash are as recognisable as the engine sound of a Morris Minor or Subaru Impreza (of which I had three).

"Chinooks fly over myself regularly taking SAS personnel from RAF Odiham to elsewhere. Their rotor blades sounds and rotor wash are as recognisable as the engine sound of a Morris Minor or Subaru Impreza (of which I had three)."

Yes - especially if they're a bit low... Also recognisable is the Merlin engine (Lancasters, Hurricanes, early Spitfires, working Mustangs).

John Upham wrote: ↑

Sun Jun 14, 2026 2:00 pm

Kevin Thurlow wrote: ↑

Sun Jun 14, 2026 1:43 pm

The RAF joined in, that's one of their Chinooks delivering new passengers to the ship.

Armed Forces day will be on June 27th in Aldershot and I shall be attending. John Healey (not related to Dennis) will be providing the opening remarks allegedly.

Chinooks fly over myself regularly taking SAS personnel from RAF Odiham to elsewhere. Their rotor blades sounds and rotor wash are as recognisable as the engine sound of a Morris Minor or Subaru Impreza (of which I had three).

Even though he's not in the cabinet any more?

Matt Mackenzie wrote: ↑

Sun Jun 14, 2026 5:01 pm

John Upham wrote: ↑

Sun Jun 14, 2026 2:00 pm

Kevin Thurlow wrote: ↑

Sun Jun 14, 2026 1:43 pm

The RAF joined in, that's one of their Chinooks delivering new passengers to the ship.

Armed Forces day will be on June 27th in Aldershot and I shall be attending. John Healey (not related to Dennis) will be providing the opening remarks allegedly.

Chinooks fly over myself regularly taking SAS personnel from RAF Odiham to elsewhere. Their rotor blades sounds and rotor wash are as recognisable as the engine sound of a Morris Minor or Subaru Impreza (of which I had three).

Even though he's not in the cabinet any more?

The rumour is he will be moon lighting. He was an excellent Secretary of State for Defence saddled with an appalling position inherited in July 2024 from Grant Shapps.