A Day Above Rutland - Tapa dura

How many of us have longed as children to soar through the air looking down on our homes and gardens? It took me 60 years to realise this dream when I was taken up in nothing less than an RAF Harrier to see for myself the care taken by the Royal Air Force to minimise the inconvenience to villages and settlements when undertaking a training sortie. Needless to say, I had little time to enjoy an oversight of Rutland as all my time was taken up by the sheer exhilaration of the flight. How fortunate, then, that only a few months later this beautiful book of photographs was published enabling me to view at leisure the landscape of Rutland from the air. From the magnificence of Rutland Water to the homely layout of a village, this book brings a new perspective to our knowledge of Rutland. We are indeed fortunate to live in such a fine area and this book captures so much of what is good about our green and pleasant county. --Dr Laurence Howard, Lord-Lieutenant of Rutland.

A Day Above Rutland Introduction by the Rt Hon Alan Duncan, MP for Rutland. As the Member of Parliament for Rutland, and as the son of someone who saw over 30 years service in the RAF, a compendium of aerial pictures of the county is of especial interest to me. As a small rural county bang in the middle of England, one might think that Rutland would hardly figure in any study of aviation history. Not so; as so often when it comes to Rutland, there are fascinating tales to tell - but you will have to read the book and view the amazing photographs! Or take a flight over Rutland, something that will always be a memorable experience. It is such a diverse and interesting county, from its rolling hills, green fields and pretty stone villages to the sparkling waters of Eyebrook Reservoir and Rutland Water. For less than £200, one can enjoy an aerial adventure in a wicker balloon basket or the open cockpit of a vintage biplane, and see the county from the same vantage point as the early pilots did so many years ago. Until you can take to the air yourself, this book is the next best thing. It is a transport of delight, which I commend to all who will have the pleasure of reading it. Alan Duncan, Minister of State, Department for International Development Member of Parliament for Rutland & Melton, The House of Commons, London.