My Unforgettable Day with the Red Arrows

Written by Jonathan Patterson.

I’ve always been captivated by the Red Arrows, and the chance to see them up close at RAF Waddington was a dream come true.

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Left: Presenting in front of the Red Arrows who are taxiing to the runway at RAF Waddington Middle: I had to take a picture with the Hawk Jet MKII Right: My interview with Red 10, Graeme Muscat

Our day began in the early morning as we arrived at the base, passing through tight security checks with a sense of mounting excitement. We eagerly awaited our Red Arrows escort, who would take us to the heart of their operations.

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As soon as we stepped off the Red Arrows mini-bus, the deafening roar of jet engines filled the air. We hurried to the viewing point only metres away from the runway, as the Red Arrows formed up and took off in a stunning, orchestrated formation.

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The Red Arrows taking off at RAF Waddington

For the next 20-30 minutes, the Red Arrows captivated us with their brand-new display for their 60th Diamond Season. Their daring barrel rolls, incredibly close manoeuvres, and crowd favourites like the Tornado left us in awe. The nine Hawk Jets flew overhead in an awe-inspiring sight, the thunderous noise was incredible. Starting with Red 1, each jet gracefully peeled away to land, marking the end of an unforgettable performance.

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Some incredible manoeuvres and formations from the Red Arrows 60th Season display

In need of a moment to absorb the experience, we decided to grab a cup of coffee. Within five minutes, a group of officers entered, with distinct marks around their ears from wearing some sort of helmets. It was then that I realised these were the Red Arrows pilots themselves, casually grabbing their coffees in their Red Arrows mugs. I was in complete awe of these men, who moments ago were hurtling through the clouds at over 500 mph.

Our RAF contact informed us that we only had a few minutes before debrief with the pilots. Led by Red One, Jon Bond, the meeting was a fascinating insight into their meticulous process. Each pilot critiqued their performance, highlighting areas for improvement and discussing how to perfect their manoeuvres for the next sortie that day. I was amazed to learn that the Red Arrows conduct these sorties and debriefs three times a day, every day, to ensure their displays are flawless and maintain their public display authority.

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A Red Arrows debrief led by Red 1, Jon Bond, here pilots watch there display moments after flying and critique their performance

Next, we had the privilege of meeting and interviewing Red 10, Graeme Muscat. He shared insights about the Red Arrows, their intense manoeuvres, their strong focus on teamwork, and how they are a beacon for Great Britain, flying the red, white, and blue all over the world.

We were incredibly excited to show Graeme the brand-new 50p coins specially made to celebrate the 60th Diamond Season of the Red Arrows. His elation was clear as he smiled and said, “I think it’s amazing… I can keep that one, right?”

Watch the full interview with Red 10, Graeme Muscat.

Our day with the Red Arrows was nothing short of extraordinary. From witnessing their breath-taking display to meeting the pilots and learning about their dedication, it was an experience that left us deeply inspired. The Red Arrows continue to be a symbol of excellence, teamwork, and pride for Great Britain.

To commemorate this special occasion, a brand-new coin range has been released to celebrate 60 years of the Red Arrows.

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>>> Click here to explore the complete Red Arrows 60th Anniversary Diamond Season coin range <<<

Blazing Trails: NEW 50p Coins released to honour the history of Britain’s Fire Service

200 years ago, Britain’s First Municipal Fire Service was established following the Great Fire of Edinburgh in 1824. And to share the story of two centuries of bravery and innovation in firefighting, FIVE BRAND NEW 50p coins have been authorised for release by His Majesty the King.

The History of the Fire Service 50p Coin Set

Watch below to find out more about the 50ps that are sure to blaze their own trail…

View the coins below and all the information you’ll need to order your favourites.


ONLY 750 AUTHORISED: The History of the Fire Service BU Colour 50p Set

The Brilliant Uncirculated Colour specification is fast becoming a collector favourite – and today you can become one of JUST 750 collectors in the world to own the Fire Engine 50ps struck to this popular specification.

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Click here to own the BU Colour 50p Set >>


JUST £37.50: Own ALL FIVE Fire Engine 50ps Now

Or you can opt to secure ALL FIVE BRAND NEW 50p coins in Brilliant Uncirculated quality for JUST £37.50. But considering the popularity of recent UK NHS 50p and RNLI 50p releases – which also honour our nation’s unsung heroes – these will be in high demand.

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Click here to secure the BU 50p Set for JUST £37.50 (+p&p) >>


The Most Detailed Specification –  The Fire Engines Silver Proof 50p Set

Struck from Sterling Silver and hand-polished to a Proof finish with a painstaking colour application, this detailed specification brings each design to life. A strict worldwide edition limit of ONLY 500 has been set, so demand will outweigh availability.

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Click here to reserve your Silver Proof 50p Set while stocks last >>

NEW UK 50p – Add a touch of Harry Potter Magic to your collection. 

The wizarding world has once again cast its enchanting spell over us with the release of a brand-new UK 50p coin by The Royal Mint. This isn’t just any coin, it’s a tribute to the magical adventures of Harry, Ron, and Hermione, and a celebration of the unbreakable bonds of friendship that define the beloved series. 

Click on the points in the interactive image below to find out more about this brand new 50p coin range.

A Tribute to Friendship and Adventure

The Harry Potter series has captivated the hearts of millions around the globe, not just for its tales of magic and mystery, but for its powerful themes of friendship, loyalty, and courage. This has been masterfully captured on our UK coinage with one of the most iconic moments from the series—the challenge of the Winged Keys. This 50p coin commemorates the scene where our heroic trio, aboard broomsticks, navigate through a flock of winged keys to catch the one that will unlock the next step in their quest to thwart Lord Voldemort’s return to power. 

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A Masterpiece Remastered 

Designed and remastered by Bella Biggs, a talented product designer at The Royal Mint, the coin features a stylised illustration of Harry Potter demonstrating his flying prowess as he attempts to catch a winged key. This design not only showcases the excitement and dynamic action of the series but also pays homage to the theme of friendship that runs throughout Harry’s journey. 

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A Collectible with a Twist 

Available in various editions, including gold Proof, silver Proof, and Brilliant Uncirculated editions—with the silver Proof version featuring stunning colour printing—this coin is a must-have for anyone looking to add a touch of magic to their collection. In an exciting twist, the Silver Proof 50p edition limit has been significantly reduced by almost 50% compared to the previous Harry Potter 50p coin, making it a rare and valuable find for collectors and fans alike. 

Why You Need This Coin in Your Collection

This coin not only celebrates one of the most thrilling scenes from the Harry Potter series but also encapsulates the spirit of adventure and the enduring power of friendship. With its exquisite design and limited availability, the Harry Potter 50p coin is sure to be a treasured item in your collection for years to come. 

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Don’t miss your chance to own a piece of magic. Secure your piece of wizarding history today and keep the magic alive!