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Post by peterbrown on Feb 14, 2015 10:15:57 GMT
Graham, Jeff, My Lords, Lynda, and Gentlemen..
I feel as if I should be wearing a dinner suit and bow tie, clutching some award, while thanking all around for being all around as we've seen in the recent round of "Awards" from the sound and motion picture industries, while TV reporters dribble over their favourite stars.
Far from deserving any awards, I'm really flattered to have been offered this space aboard the good ship, "AFA", and will do all possible to add my contribution every Sunday, health, wealth and weather permitting.
Graham and Jeff have done the most fantastic job in putting together this truly 'global' forum, and having met them yesterday they even turn out to the most excellent company - bursting with enthusiasm and the knowledge that will propel this forum to ever greater heights. The Blackbushe Airport one-stop forum is truly lucky to be associated with all of you, long may it continue!!
See you tomorrow...
PB
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Post by graham on Feb 14, 2015 18:07:25 GMT
Thanks for your kind words Peter, we feel honoured that you will be placing your "cream of the crop" here for all to enjoy. I'm sure every other forum in the land will be tinged with envy that we will have your wonderful photographic history and oh so knowledgeable verbal accompaniment all to ourselves. Looking forward very much to your first photo tomorrow!
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Post by peterbrown on Feb 15, 2015 0:30:49 GMT
Sunday has dawned, well dawn is a way off yet, but below is my first "Photo of the Week" extracted from my daily ramble on your joint Blackbushe forum... I hope it proves enjoyable, entertaining or even mildy informative. Graham is just too flattering as to his description of my rambling efforts, it's gonna be a while before I start my column in the "Mail of Sunday", unless they want to carry this too?? Feel free to drop into blackbusheairport.proboards.com/ as our forums share the unique distinction of being both friends, and working in close co-operation. "Photo of the Week" time, now all I have to do is press this key and...see what happens. "Photo of the Day" 04/02/15 It's that time of day again when as the sun struggles to find the horizon, the grey cell is challenged to another backtrack into long gone days at dear old Blackbushe. My torpid winter state was given an adrenalin boost day before yesterday when mention was made of that great aerial performer under the name of "Aeronca 100"...in particular our once home based example, G-AEXD. This curious assembly of wood, canvas, wire, the occasional metal tube and a few struts to hold it together would sit on the apron and always pose the question, "why does it fly, or who would want to risk their life insurance policy in the process of trying to find out?"... My feelings remain that this bathtub fashioned flying machine would be the perfect blend for somebody who wished to combine their love of vintage motor cycles with a curiosity toward Isaac Newton's laws of universal gravitation - and how to disprove them should it be necessary. The hours of my youth that were given to Blackbushe and trying to fly in any and every aeroplane that came my way led to the inevitable moment when my chance presented to fly the exciting machine described above... My good friend, the late John Chapman, indulged in the curious pastime of flying Aeronaca "XD" around the Blackbushe airspace from time to time. Obviously he didn't use too much of the airspace, that kind of time was not available. John arrived at Blackbushe with a steely look in his eye and said, "Right, we're going flying!".. My initial delight was tempered as our trans-apron walk lead directly to the awaiting Aeronca. Short of suitable excuses, I couldn't refuse and nonchalently meandered toward the awaiting curiosity shop. As any photograph will show, the first challenge the Aeronca 100 presents its potential occupant is the genital challenge of arriving in the cockpit with all that you left the Terminal with. Easier said than done, happily the challenge being the less for those of a slim disposition. The access was not too large, it couldn't be seeing as the entire Aeronca design was on the diminutive side, but John and I somehow became nestled in the cosy confines of the cockpit. You needed to be quite good friends. The bathtub resembling lines of the Aeronca with its two little mainwheels very close to where my size 11's were resting necessitated ones posterior riding a very small number of inches - sorry, hadn't gone metric in the sixties - uncomfortably close to whatever you may be taxiing over. A large stone going between the mainwheels would probably have been a rapid cure for haemorrhoids..not that I suffered from such an affliction.. Once secure in ones preflight positition the need for speed was going to be disappointed, but the need for adrenalin release would not be.. This machine had to be tried for size..looking ahead one could see the JAP motor cycle engine's cylinders in their horizontally opposed configuration, complete with the valve rockers waiting to do their pianist's fingers impression once the JAP was fired up. And fired up they soon were once the prop had been swung and the model aircraft like prop was biting the awaiting air... On this occasion the wind was blowing from the south, and these were the happy days when we were able to use all of the Blackbushe runways and were thus able to use the one pointed closest to the incoming breeze. The Aeronca 100 appreciated any breeze that might be available. The drag here was that the duty runway was 19. And for an aeroplane that involved a bottom skimming taxi ride, this was the longest journey to threshold that Blackbushe could offer. It did enable a little longer to enjoy the Blackbushe scenery, best to enjoy it while you can!! Lined up, the little Aeronca's JAP rattled into full song and slowly slowly we moved toward flying speed. The rate of climb was less than impressive as the airfield sank beneath us in slow motion, our performance no doubt limited by flying the aeroplane at maximum capacity. In those long gone days a departure from Blackbushe's runway 19 required a safe crossing of the A30, but as the airfield had not been closed for too long today's forest that awaits on Blackbushe south of the A30 had not grown its Aeronca catching potential.. Nevertheless, our remarkable lack of performance enabled a fascinating view of life south of the main road, and no doubt our passage proved of some interest to the passing motorist. We arrived over the Forestry Commission's mature pine trees still lacking a healthy indication on the altimeter. Providing the JAP motor cycle product that had got us thus far continued to rattle its rockers before us all was well, but the lack of altitude being reported necessitated some unorthodox circuit procedures. Those who frequent Lasham and totally motorless flight will be aware of the locations most likely to offer a bit of a lift when the going gets tough. Tree rich forest can produce amounts of rising air and in pursuit of this the little Aeronca was encouraged to perform some gentle circles while still south of the A30 but not within gliding range of the airfield a few hundred yard behind us. Some lift was also offered by the breeze coming from the south as it was perhaps pushed upward by the ground's incline due to Blackbushe's superb plateau location. Whatever, the upward drafts and our slow climb performance permitted flight to continue away from the circuit and the chance to futher explore the Aeronca 100's performance envelope. Not earth shattering would have been my report had I been test pilot. Even without that exalted status, my report would have been the same. You needed to get used to the fact that thrust was never going to present itself in useful quantities, but the view of your cylinder heads, rockers rocking before you, and the multitude of bracing wides either side that were hanging onto your wings provided an unusual and exciting vista. Nothing wrong with the old girl providing you not were possessed of great expectations when lining up, and you had a degree of gliding knowledge about you when the trees reached out for your wheels!! Our landing was achieved on Blackbushe rather than elsewhere, smooth enough from what I remember, but thinking of the consequences of a heavy landing considering how near your bum cheeks would be to the ground is a toe curling experience!! In a nutshell, the Aeronca 100 is a real fun flying machine,or at least it was... Sadly, John was killed a short while after but it was a Cessna that bit him, not the Aeronca. He was another of the good guys sadly no longer in our midst, well, not in the physical world. Hope you guys digested this OK as I know there are those who like to read their breakfast fix from Blackbushe!! PB
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Post by graham on Feb 15, 2015 9:04:49 GMT
Morning Peter, what a trail-blazing start, sat here still semi comatose with a cuppa and have enjoyed every word. The Aeronca certainly is a strange looking machine, in fact, if Ardman of Bristol ever decided to make "Wallace & Gromit go Flying", then I'm sure that Wallace's contraption would bear more than a passing resemblance to the Aeronca.
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Post by peterbrown on Feb 15, 2015 10:02:38 GMT
Morning Graham, Glad you had a cuppa to help you through it.... Agree that the aeroplane in question has a certain Wallace & Grommitness about it..Just don't ask me to play the part of Wallace or Grommit, but I know somebody who could....
P
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Post by peterbrown on Feb 22, 2015 5:59:40 GMT
Greetings from the Blackbushe 'one-stop' forum...another week has evaporated which means it's time for one of the week's "Photo of the Day" editions to appear aboard our sister ship, "Aviation for All".... See you next week, same place..! "Photo of the Day" 17/02/15One of those mornings, you wake up and wonder... is that indigestion? Apparently it was turbulence of the less dangerous kind, so onward and upwards, or rather backwards....with the word according to Blackbushe. Having started the task of rebuilding "Photo of the Day" because of a modern day Dick Turpin's deeds on the super high speed virtual highway when the unseen face of a modern highway man stole all traces of four years dedicated work - you will no doubt find a lot of the material familiar as out of necessity I am on a long distance 're-cycling' journey. The best I can do is re decorate the content by hanging some different literary patterns around our precious pictures, and hope that the 'old product' maintains an element of interest for most. Days that start with a 'health concern' should spur me on to work harder and faster I guess, but meanwhile I celebrate the wonders of life and the almost mystical part that Blackbushe has played in it... Life for Blackbushe, as you will know from reading Stuart's superb account of its wartime days on the forum, was conceived under the name of RAF Hartford Bridge. The airfield was home to fighter squadrons, 'interdiction' squadrons, bomber squadrons, transport squadrons, British, French, Dutch squadrons and crews from all over the allied world. Scenes such as these.. gave rise to sorties such as these.. ..as our Hartford Bridge squadrons took the argument to the enemies front door. Often at great cost to the gallant men who whose last touch of mother earth was the solid feel of RAF Hartford Bridge under their feet. At war's end the name Blackbushe was adopted to replace Hartford Bridge due to conflict with a similar named location in Northumberland. The heroic, fervently patriotic founders of embryonic British independent airlines founded their companies in numbers at Blackbushe. The Airport's natural suitability for flying, combined with its convenient location to the south-west of London was too good an opportunity to miss. Sadly the opportunity is being missed today.. Despite the efforts of the British Government of the time to block the scope and threat these new independent upstart airlines posed to their state primped BEA and BOAC, aircraft such as this Tudor of Fairflight, one of AVM Bennett's operations.. gave rise to views like this... ..as she rises gracefully into the Blackbushe sky, offering views of the control tower and Airwork's complex as 08 sinks beneath. Talking, as I did a minute or so ago, about the mystical part Blackbushe has played in my life, probably the most mystical time was in 1960/61. Like an empty house, Blackbushe lay bare, stripped of her life - and the lives who depended on her - desolate, destroyed by an act motivated by reasons known to those who committed it. Reasons made public, reasons not made public. I was just 16, still at school, dearly fond of London's second airport that had been snatched from us. During the acts of destruction I would ride my bike that knew its way to Blackbushe blindfold, and stopping on the grass along side the A30 - as usual - scenes such as this awaited ... I have absolutely no shame in saying that I cried. I stood, I stared in disbelief that my faithful friend was dead, even the skeletal remains were being devoured to remove Blackbushe Airport from the map at all possible speed. "Airport, what airport? Not round 'ere that I know of.." may have been the reaction of those in denial ... Once the devastation was complete, my bike and I revisited the crime scene. This time it was us on the runway, not a DC-6, or a York, or a United States Navy Neptune off on another submarine hunt. Nothing flew from here anymore. I found the bomb dump in the forest to the north-west of the dead airport. I recall that day clearly. It was a Saturday, no school, and the forest was silent except for the whispering breeze that toyed with the tree tops, while the sun took the opportunity of sending me signals of light as they glinted twixt the swaying treetops. I think then I had a mystical moment, not a Mystic Meg Moment, but more an opening of my eyes to all that had gone on here before. The aircraft, the air crews, the ground crews who kept the show on the road, the general essence of life during war - the camaraderie that must have flowed through here, the triumph, the grief. Somehow the peace of that morning has remained with me always, it was humbling, sad, but welded my affinity with Blackbushe still further. As you can probably tell, the old airfield has had an effect on me... The following winter life was returning to Blackbushe, and the forest where that summer's day had 'communicated' with me was seeing the shape of aeroplanes once more. Small ones, maybe, but flying was coming back! Joy!! The forest could still be a lonesome place on a winter's day, but the occasional aircraft engine might now be company. This is now the BCA car auctioneering complex, the auctioneer's gavel now rules the area.. The BCA development laid waste the old bomb dump, the few military huts still hidden in the woods, the hut with "SMOKE FLARES" written on the door - a link to D-Day, all were gone. But before that, one of the nissen huts had provided home for a new Blackbushe resident, dear GAMZO, Len Webb's pristine Hornet Moth. Folding wings were a distinct advantage for such a small hangar. That too has long gone in the interest of pre-owned motor vehicles seeking a new home, but many were the times that I helped roll GAMZO out and push her back in..Always impressed me how the locking pins held the wings in place. I knew they would, I hoped they would, GAMZO helped release many of my youthful dreams as I often flew amid her numerous wings to enjoy the marvels of flight - made so much the better by originating from the old airfield with whom I had, and still do have, a mystical relationship. Bless her, she's been very good to me. PB
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Post by peterbrown on Feb 28, 2015 21:48:18 GMT
Another week's shot past, so here's this weekend's specimen from the daily "Photo of the Day" found on the sister 'channel', "the one-stop forum". A bit ahead of the Sunday morning delivery, I shall be away from base for a couple of days..in fact, this was last Sunday's contribution to the 'one-stop'.. here goes.... "Photo of the Day" 22/02/15Sunday. Once again I'm sitting religiously in front of the PC's keyboard, and reflecting on that word...Sunday. No doubt the word means different things to different people, to me it spells the restrictions it imposed during childhood when one had no choice but to attend church and Sunday school. In retrospect it did me no harm, but there existed a dreadful conflict between my aviation ambitions and the more down to earth Sunday activities. My Mum died when I was eleven, a chasm had opened in my life, it was on a Sunday. The day of the week I endured more than enjoyed suddenly took on an ever darker image in my mind, my dark age had begun. From a very early age I was obsessed with model aeroplanes. One's I could walk round the garden with while uttering 'aeroplane sounds' from my mouth which probably worried the neighbours..Dinky Toys were a big hit, I had loads - the Avro York being my favourite. probably because I'd seen plenty at Blackbushe. It was on a Sunday when I was around 13 that I discovered powered model flying, the smell of diesel fuel and the excellent noise model engines emitted. The model flying bug had bit - big. Going to church while no doubt honing my spirit to some kind of perfection on Sundays played havoc with the ethereal beauty imposed by my efforts to defeat gravity with balsa, and small but noisy engines.. By the time I was 14 the Sunday church was reduced to going in the evening with my Dad. This was also the time that Blackbushe had been closed by those in high places, and another devastating blow came to visit as the airfield at which I had spent so much time, and loved dearly, was taken away. BUT, then came the hallelujah moment. AVM 'Pathfinder' Bennett had bought Blackbushe (well, 360 acres of it), and planned on its revival as a general aviation, executive airport. To cut a long story short, I got involved from the very beginning, became a founder member of the new Blackbushe Aero Club, and spent every minute I could manage at the airfield helping the wonderful body of people who had come together as one to help the AVM and see Blackbushe receive new life. Sitting in church on one spring evening I could hear light aeroplanes overhead - and that was it - time to break free. At risk of some terrible retribution, my religion was devoted to aviation, but if God had wings, he was my kind of God! I had arrived at one of life's great terminals, and was ready to depart on what seems to have been a life long journey with Blackbushe. Endlessly frustrated by seeing its potential locked away, but always happy to do whatever I could to lend her a helping hand. Talking of 'terminals'.... An early morning at Blackbushe shortly after BCA had completed major renovation of the one surviving structure from the original Blackbushe Airport, the Terminal Building, complete with new Control Tower. What a relief to see so much time and money poured into a project that was directly airport related. The Terminal was developed in two stages.. Phase One in 1956 as seen from what is now 'the Common'.... Hidden by a DC-6, but the full length Terminal lies behind. Still hidden by a DC-6, the once again shorter, but rescued, Terminal.. Partly obscured by an Islander in the Arnold era..love the Control Tower. A listed building? Early days with the AVM in command... Showing signs of age.. Revival...BCA style! Desecration Hampshire County Council style... ..and a nice view from the Council's 'end' in the sixties. Life on the apron was not what it used to be.. ..and finally, the days of magic in the sixties. Hope sprang eternal that great things lay ahead for Blackbushe. For some of us, that hope still remains.. Hope I didn't bore you toooo much with my early days, apologies if I did. Do have a fun Sunday!! PB
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Post by peterbrown on Mar 11, 2015 17:06:14 GMT
Having been 'off the air' for a few days due tech problems between ProBoards and Virgin Media..here's a late contribution from recent Photo of the Day's "Photo of the Day" 07/03/15The weekend! During the 'working years' the word "weekend" suggested a break from the work based cycle of activity..although weekends were historically used for admin/planning/reports/hatching devious plots to confound the competition/...you get the picture. The beauty of being engaged in retirement and working on an ad hoc 'charter' basis was - I thought - going to bring a greater air of freedom and time to do what I want, when I want. I suppose it's true, except that I'm finding too many things to do, and this week's been a perfect example of the 'blue arsed fly' syndrome where one has buzzed from point to point with hardly a moment to attach yourself to something juicy before your off again elsewhere. That is where Barry's photos have been such a boon as he has taken the grey cell factor out of the POTD presentations having also provided the script to accompany his pictures. What a hero! Today his services are continued...and I have just settled the financial demands from Photobucket to ensure that viewers of POTD and other bits of the forum continue to receive the daily service..with pictures!! So, onwards and upwards, back to Blackbushe with Barry! Taken on Tuesday 2nd September 1958. USAF C130A 60529 in red ‘arctic’ markings lowers the ramp outside the terminal building area. It came from the 322nd Air Division based at Évreux, France. Taken on Wednesday 3rd September 1958 Aero-Transport Viking 1 OE-FAE on the hard standing to the left of the terminal, very close to the A30. Delivered new to BEA in1946 as G-AHPF ‘Vedette’, she later became BWIA’s VP-TBC ‘British Guiana’ and the CAA’s VP-YJB ‘Luapula’. Restored to the UK register in September ‘57 she was sold on to Aero-Transport in April ’58. Re-registered OE-HAE in November ’61, she was scrapped the following month. Taken on Tuesday September 8th 1959. Aeronavale Flotilla 11.S Lockheed PV2 Harpoon 37311/11.S 5 in a well worn ex USN ‘midnite’ blue finish parked on the grass right up alongside the A30. Auster, Coastal Command Varsity and RCAF Dakota in the background. Taken on Tuesday 8th September 1959. Rare beasts at the best of times, Canberra B(I)6s were only ever flown by one RAF unit – 213 squadron at Bruggen. Here WT310 complete with that unit’s yellow and black wasp markings on nose & fin sits alongside the A30 with a background of two Belgian C119s. First delivered in November 1955, she met a tragic end in January 1962 colliding and crashing with fellow 213 Squadron B(I)6 WT315 near Elbergen West Germany with the loss of three crew. Taken on Thursday 10th September 1959. All right if I park my nuclear bomber here for the day unattended? Sure, there’s no real security and that’s the public A30 but it shouldn’t be a problem. (How times have changed!). From RAF Laabruch’s 16 Squadron, Canberra B(I)8 XM268 complete with the unit’s yellow/black fuselage band and crossed keys under the cockpit, sits out the day beside the A30. The B(I)8 version was the third generation of the Canberra & performed the low level interdictor & tactical nuclear strike role with the RAF's Squadrons in Germany. Thank you Barry!! Another group of memory jerkers. Funnily enough the USAF C-130 (first photo) was parked on the apron as I went past the Airport as a passenger with my Dad at the wheel. I was 12 at the time - my interest in Blackbushe was significantly aroused by that age - and that large day-glo fin left a fleeting, but lasting, impression scored on the grey cell. Just 'one of those moments', but the mind's eye can still see it although at the time it was 'simply Blackbushe' and nothing particularly extraordinary for the time to my twelve year old senses. But it did look good, if only I'd realised how good it would seem in the years to follow!! I did all I could to acquire a C-130 for a couple of my past ventures at Blackbushe, but none were available - maybe next time?? Time to go, must buzz off to the next venture in waiting... PB
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Post by graham on Mar 12, 2015 17:53:13 GMT
It was well worth the wait Peter thank you, some great old shots there, love the Canberras.
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Post by graham on Mar 12, 2015 20:38:21 GMT
Peter, for want of knowing where best to post this, I thought you might be interested in this query from the March 2015 edition of "LAAS - Aviation News & Review. I quote....
<<Doug Arnold rented a hangar at Hurn for a period during 1997 and kept his airshow aircraft there.Tucked away in the corner of the hangar was the nose section of Lancaster X, G-BCOH formerly KB976. It was reputedly to be married to the fuselage of Lancaster X, G-BVBP ex KB994 and Lincoln 2 G-APRJ ex RF342 at Aces High at North Weald. Does anyone know what became of the reconstruction as all news seems to have dried up>>
Can you shed any light upon this Peter?
Cheers
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Post by peterbrown on Mar 13, 2015 17:04:18 GMT
Oh..grey cell exercise time.. We had various bits in the Warbirds of Great Britain hangar at Blackbushe. RCAF Lancaster, Lincoln PRJ, even a Liberator..but all were in pieces and after DA vacated Blackbushe his whereabouts became a mystery to me. He moved to Biggin Hill from Blackbushe, but our paths did not cross again..sadly I cannot give you any further insight on the Blackbushe bombers..but somebody out there must know?
Cheers P
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Post by graham on Mar 13, 2015 17:15:16 GMT
Thanks for looking Peter. Yes, someone, somewhere must know...?
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Post by tj on Mar 13, 2015 21:24:39 GMT
The Lincoln G-APRJ is as far as I know crated up at the Australian National Air Museum at Moorabin, Victoria - or at least it was when I visited back in January 2010. Tony
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Post by peterbrown on Mar 15, 2015 6:21:30 GMT
Another week, another contribution from, "Blackbushe Airport, the one-stop forum".... "Photo of the Day" 14/03/15The weekend has dawned. Cold and grey, a start typical of many a March day when devious winds blow in from the east temporarily putting on ice ideas that spring is forthcoming. Such days bring back what are becoming ancient recollections of the early days when Blackbushe was 'fighting for her life' as the media would describe some comatose person who would have no idea that they were actually 'fighting' for anything, including their life! For today, we'll give Barry a rest and return to his sequence of photos tomorrow, but with a chill March day outside I thought I'd gather a few memories together of the early sixties - and how Blackbushe appeared to those of us who helped in her 'fight' for life.. Still at school, sixth form time, and Blackbushe had been laid desolate. With GCE studies flying between the ears one's time had to be allocated with care. But, I was one of those who felt bereaved at the loss of Blackbushe, and from the moment her runways became a playground for one and all post closure I was drawn uncontrollably to her mortal remains. Probably not a safe place as those runways now served as a mecca for cars of all kinds driven by drivers of all kinds. Early radio control aeroplanes would bring a bit of dignity to the runways as they flew around with their elementary clunking equipment keeping them under control. Motor bikes, dogs, humans, all were drawn to the corpse of Blackbushe. The local 'powers' decided to rip up the east end of the airfield to protect it from aeroplanes ever returning, and to create a 'public open space'. That as we know is a joke, and the mess they created - which still stands today - was sufficient to drive visitors onto the area which remains as an airfield today. (The work of the 'powers' fifty five years on). These words I captured yesterday from my new phone...(something that science fiction might have dreamed up in the sixties)..I give you, "Yateley Common's rules and regulations..." Interesting requirements when scanning the surrounding 'common', its awful state and how dogs are allowed to pollute what is supposed to be a 'public' area.. Five decades on and this part of Blackbushe still looks like a war zone. All very depressing. Going back to the early sixties while the sight and sound of the recently departed military and commercial Blackbushe traffic still occupied my mind, seeing the airfield suffer such desecration was hard to take. So it was that with great fortitude 350 acres of Blackbushe freehold were acquired by AVM Don Bennett. This huge purchase was accompanied by the concept of a major general aviation centre to serve south west London and the home counties, a necessary facility in a perfect location. Today's cold bleak March morning revived clearly this time of year in 1961/2 when aeroplanes started to show up perhaps on a Sunday or for our occasional fly-ins. The procedure for me every Sunday was clear. Bike out of shed by 7am. Check list of camera, binocs, etc etc ticked off and loaded..and by 07.30 I was pedalling my 8 miles to Blackbushe for another day in paradise. Well, maybe paradise is a bit strong but it had the makings of something like that..we hoped! It was great fun working with the greats of the time, Ken Gray, Holly Birkett, Ken Barker, Gordon Wilmer, Maurice Gosling, Jonnie Walker, Jo Meggeson, Dave Cottrell, Dave Inman et al..The atmosphere was truly wonderful as this body of like minded souls gathered every weekend to work on the airfield with the AVM, establish the first Blackbushe Aero Club and witness occasional aircraft movements. Very occasional. These are typical of the 'occasional' visitor during those far off cold weekends.. Such sights on a cold morning warmed the inner man! A real aeroplane back on Blackbushe! They may not look much today in beautiful low def black and white, but you must take it from me they were worth their weight in gold when it came to lifting our spirits! The years dragged on, and I guess today Blackbushe still lives on the horns of uncertainty, but at least she is still here.. Here's the view from the Terminal 1961... ..and a view taken from the 'common' yesterday.. ..more than one dared to hope for in the sixties, Blackbushe has taken on the appearance of an airfield!! The 'common' speaks for itself.. I know which way I prefer to look!! Finally, I noted that 14/32 has been swept and looks almost in good condition.. until you look closer.. At least it gave me some exercise and apparently the metal bits in the heart are working very nicely. It still ticks, and we still have an airfield called "Blackbushe".. Life could be worse!! PB
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Post by graham on Mar 15, 2015 13:55:05 GMT
Thanks so much Peter for today's chapter in the Blackbushe saga. I have to say that the "common" as shown in the photo above with the Hants CC notice board on it, looks more like a recently bulldozed landfill site with all that rubbish scattered around it. How sad it must be to think that half a centrury ago it was part of London's second airport.
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Post by peterbrown on Mar 16, 2015 21:00:51 GMT
Sad it is Graham! In truth we're looking at a crime scene, but how good it would be to see the airfield intact once again. Imagine?? I do!!
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Post by graham on Mar 17, 2015 7:54:56 GMT
We can but wish Peter.....
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Post by peterbrown on Mar 22, 2015 6:06:26 GMT
Morning all..Sunday again, and here's is this week's extract from the daily "Photo of the Day" over on your sister forum 'Blackbushe Airport - the one-stop forum'.... "Photo of the Day" 18/03/15Drifting through the endless corridors that constitute the vault that is home to so many memories of days gone by, there are days when deciding which era to venture back to becomes a problem. Anyone who has followed this 'Photo of the Day' operation will know that we have plodded through all the ages of Blackbushe backwards, forwards and inside out. Probably because after four years of doing this there cannot be much left to say that hasn't been said before...maybe several times? Onwards then, for those who still find a momentary memory flash from POTD worth a brief minute of the day.. It's one of those magnificent Farnborough Weeks. Not magnificent in aircraft numbers, but magnificent in the fact that Blackbushe under private ownership had been saved from total removal from the planet. Under the wing of AVM Bennett what the Government and local 'powers' wanted to see destroyed for all time was in fact still breathing! Farnborough Week once again produced interesting visitors, not in vast numbers or aircraft of vast size as had happened prior to the Government pulling the plug, but at least the airfield proved one thing - she was STILL an airfield!! There are six shots retained from those rather amazing days when Blackbushe would come back to life for a week. The depression would set in on the Monday following Farnborough as the apron emptied apart from the handful of home based aeroplanes that braved the elements on the old Blackbushe tarmac. At least in those days Farnborough rolled round every twelve months, now it's once every two years and sadly Blackbushe no longer features to any degree as visitors either don't fly to Farnborough anymore or they go direct to EGLF. During our early Farnborough Weeks aircraft were simply parked on the apron, but as the years went by and visitor numbers increased we had to find new acres to park the hosts of light and business aircraft that arrived. The cross runway 14/32 provided that space. Larger aircraft were positioned on the now less crowded apron. Sadly, today the old marshalling bats are thick with cobwebs having been consigned to a dismal life in the shed. Seems a while now since those Farnborough's when we filled runways with visitors in the 70's and 80's. My recent walk down 14/32 was filled with so many images of the days when we would fill her on both sides some days as visitors arrived in droves.. Now, it is host to the the ghosts of the past, and in particular walking down this length of tarmac I get a sense of nearness to dear Roger Russell. Roger and I spent many Farnborough Weeks doing our voluntary aircraft handling service either for the AVM or for Doug Arnold, and it was here that we sometimes had both sides of the runway end to end filled with visiting aircraft. Last week's walk down the runway conjured a strange sense of closeness to Roger, almost as if he were there again. I may well have left the runway with a lonesome tear making its way down my cheek... PB
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Post by graham on Mar 22, 2015 7:43:00 GMT
A wonderful yet poignant story Peter, thank you so much. The two runways shots above are quite thought provoking. In the second photo of today's chapter, would that be D62 G-ATUG tucked in between G-ASLB & G-ARNI? I only ask as I photographed her at Bodmin just three days ago albeit she wears a different colour scheme these days. I can't quite make out the final letter of her reg.
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Post by peterbrown on Mar 28, 2015 23:43:36 GMT
Hi all, having put my clocks forward a tad early it's already Sunday, time for another slice of "Photo of the Day". This is from 22nd March, we've been looking at the heavier aircraft that have flown from Blackbushe since it was "closed down" by the government.... "Photo of the Day" 22/03/15Early start today, still can't sleep due worsening condition of the big pinkie on my right foot. Happily Blackbushe tends to take my mind off many of the daily worries that come to call... Yesterday we looked back at examples of Dakotas that have frequented Blackbushe since that happy day when the Government decided to bulldoze Blackbushe having modified the grass airfield in West Sussex. Airliners, any aircraft, would never fly from Blackbushe again, the word being that Blackbushe would become an open space, and public recreation area...Well, we've all seen the hash made of the 'public open space' bit, and they who closed Blackbushe did not reckon on a certain Air Vice Marshal who had a distinct dislike of Labour governments, and meddling men from the ministry. The Dakota, a shape that graced Blackbushe for so many years, did come back, she's been back on numerous occasions.. The US Air Force sent one to join us for the Three Counties Aero Club show in 1965. The dashing man in white being destined for the high seat of Airport Manager in years to come..Morning Stuart! During one distant Easter weekend around the mid sixties the USAF came back to pick up a load of parachute people. Fancy wanting to jump out when you're having the pleasure of being airborne in a Dak!!?? A totally moving experience was our first Dakota's return to Blackbushe, the site the ministry had written off anticipating that no aircraft would ever return to Hartford Bridge. Football charters.. They came to make movies.. They came for other reasons...Farnborough Week maybe? Cannot recall this one's intentions.... ..another movie star! Tyne Tees Air Charter before her movie clothes.. Free French Air Force 'Lorraine Squadron' crew came back in a Dak for a sentimental look at their old wartime base, RAF Hartford Bridge as it was then. My most beloved Dakota. G-BVOL who was my baby for a year on the air show circuit...we kept her at both Farnborough and Blackbushe. I still regret filming the Blenheim and Duke of Brabant B-25 on VHS movie as we left Northern Ireland on our last sortie in tight formation with the two aeroplanes mentioned. Great movie footage, but nothing to show you...I suppose you can get stills from VHS footage?? Of course, Doug Arnold brought lots of Daks back from Spain.. who found themselves in the movie business too Air Atlantique in Handley Page colours.. ...and a final look at the USAF in 1965 at the Three Counties show Therein ends your Dakota feast. Hope you enjoyed it? And they said in 1960 that Blackbushe would never see another aeroplane on its tarmac.. WRONG!!! PB
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Post by graham on Mar 29, 2015 7:43:12 GMT
Morning Peter, what a fabulous collection of images of the good old Dak. What did Doug Arnold "do" with the Daks he brought back from Spain?
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Post by peterbrown on Apr 3, 2015 23:50:35 GMT
The week's don't half go by quick..Here's this week's contribution from "Photo of the Day" "Photo of the Day" 30/03/15Another manic Monday ahead, but before I launch myself into the great beyond a quick look at some other Blackbushe visitors who gave us their time, but due to voracious runway appetites would have been unable to give us their presence on the ground. Concorde burned her way round the circuit and did a fly past, or two, while on a jolly for British Car Auctions. Must have been a fun few minutes! I recall the Cessna Skymaster being an example of types banned under the Section 52 Planning Agreement for being too noisy for Blackbushe! This was another league altogether! Looking back at flying visits, the ones I recall most vividly belong to the 1977 Blackbushe Air Festival. This was my big chance to harness some sounds and shapes of yesteryear, so far as I was concerned the sky was the limit. Having said that, trying to lasso large aeroplanes out of the sky was not 100% easy, and one's phone bill maybe reflected the necessary time involved in finding types that reflected our pre 1960 skies over Blackbushe. Luck played a serious hand, looking back it often has, and we acquired some old shapes, some modified old shapes, and some shapes that were just too young to have been seen at Blackbushe. As it happens the fact that the local authority - and friends - had chopped 2,000ft off our main runway did not make much difference to what did and did not land. British Air Ferries were pleasure flying over the weekend with their Herald, but they also added to the flying display by diverting one of their Carvair fleet making an "en route" flying visit to Blackbushe. The runway was long enough, time wasn't.. My ambition to have a DC-4, DC-6 type machine in the show was going to have to have one with a bubble on its nose, but we got one. Job done! John Blake, our display commentator, seemed quite surprised to see this venerable aeroplane with its bulbous nose appearing from the west. Sadly the business she was on precluded time for paying a social call and taking tea in the pilots' tent. I'd like to say,"maybe next time.." but Carvairs are getting harder to find.Phone calls to 'high command' at IAS Air Cargo produced another aeroplane caught in the line of duty. This one was a DC-8 laden with grapes en route from Athens to Gatwick. Indications were that after the flight this example of Douglas design was carrying not only grapes, but a degree of grape juice too!! OK, the type did not reflect anything from Blackbushe's glorious past, but it helped broaden the display spectrum! The first, and possibly the last, time the Douglas DC-8 has made a conscious decision to come to Blackbushe. The runway length would certainly have thwarted any landing..
Trans Meridian Air Cargo at Stansted were not exempt from begging calls from some young chap from Blackbushe. They seemed pleasingly enthusiastic to lend us a flying machine. The Britannia was not an unusual site at Blackbushe of the past, a TMAC CL-44 would do nicely to represent the multi engined turbo prop times. Keith Sissons who was at the wheel that day would have happily landed his 'whispering giant' as the Brit was known, had we had a GPU to start her again. To this day I beat myself up over that. If only I'd known I can guarantee a GPU would have been there waiting.. Whilst my efforts to secure a VC10 or a 707 from my old fleet at British Airways bit the dust, knowing a Senior Training Captain from the 747 flight paid dividends. Alan Chalkly quietly asked if I'd like a 747 later in the day...The 747-200 with RR engines had just been delivered, and Blackbushe was about to witness the public debut of the type. I couldn't say "no", and after a quick word to brief the tower Al was off to LHR to find an aeroplane for the day's training flight. The next big Boeing to visit Blackbushe must have been the USAF B-52 that mistook Blackbushe for the Farnborough Air Show, but I was VERY happy with our Jumbo who was dead on track!!This huge aluminium cloud in the hold over Basingstoke was an unusual sight to put it mildly. The question of her landing at Blackbushe was never asked..funny that? If you ever decide to run an airshow based on luck, micro budgets, an oversize prayer mat, obstacles, objections, committees, the threat of rain, fog, tempest or typhoon - think again!! You wake early in the morning with the words "WHAT IF" emblazoned in your head... it's amazing how many "what if's" you can dream up in a short space of time!! PB
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Post by peterbrown on Apr 3, 2015 23:53:01 GMT
AND....seeing as I will abroad for the next couple of weeks, here's another helping from POTD, rather a sad one I'm afraid. "Photo of the Day" 31/03/15The month of March gets its marching orders today, perhaps we can look forward to warmer days, the smell of fresh cut grass and plenty of daylight beneath the wings of our home based aeroplanes? I think over the past week we've squeezed as much as we can out of the larger types of flying machine to land, or pay a flying visit, to the airport the government decided to set free, destroy and let the local wolves devour as much as they could of it. It's taken fifty plus years to build up the heavy visitors list from a Boeing 747 downwards, but we've proven that Blackbushe still has a heart that beats despite the assassination attempt of 1960 when HMG fired both barrels at their second airport. The mention above of 'fresh cut grass' reminds me of a wonderful experience in low level flying where the wee blades of grass may well have cowered back into the ground. Some may recall the five B-25 Mitchells that arrived at Blackbushe for the making of "Hannover Street" amid other motion picture opportunities. I guess these qualified for inclusion in the recent 'larger aircraft at Blackbushe category.. Jeff Hawke was well known in the aerial filming business and for flying camera ships into interesting positions. The aerial filming of "The Battle of Britain", the classic 1960's portrayal of 'the battle' with a truly massive supporting cast, was largely conducted from another B-25 flown by Jeff. It was Jeff who took responsibility for the safe passage of the Blackbushe five across the North Atlantic to their new Hampshire base. In fact a TV documentary was made covering the journey entitled, "B-25s do fly in IMC"..various You tube clips are available..www.youtube.com/watch?v=52eUHn6HazI. I was keen to experience flying in such an aeoplane, if only to get a taste of what it must have been like for the heroic souls who regularly went to war in such machines from airfields such as Blackbushe. One afternoon back in 1978 Jeff was taking one of the five B-25s to RAF Odiham for some more sequences for the upcoming movie, his offer of the front seat was too good to miss!! It was soon after this that "fresh cut grass" comes to mind. The front seat was not an understatement, and presented the opportunity to fly while a blind eye was turned to all forms of safety precautions. The nose turret affords splendid views of the world ahead, while to the side equally good views are available of the mighty airscrews waiting to carry you forward. Seating was basic, if you consider a wooden bar stool basic? Safety harnesses were obviously considered pointless as there were no such items to be seen, but one did have a machine gun to bolster your efforts at imagining what this part of the aeroplane offered the heroes of WW2. Arrival in the nose turret involved a climb into the lower hatch beneath the cockpit followed by the brief tunnel crawl to the forward vantage point. No ear plugs, just nature's prime listening devices either side of my head...When the props started to turn there fairly soon after followed the sounds of hell on earth. The noise was incredible, even at idle! Thinking how lucky I was to be in this remote plastic surrounded greenhouse we made our way to the 08 hold. Power checks confirmed that it was going to get louder in here...Much louder. From this, and future experiences in the Blackbushe B-25s, I came to the conclusion that these engines sounded funny or they needed some attention. The frequent explosive backfires each time accompanied by sheets of flame from the exhaust stubs did not give the passenger confidence that maybe the world's airlines try to give? I think the flames came from the exhaust stubs, I hoped they did. Take off from 08 soon confirmed that it was going to be noisy, very noisy, and that altitude was not a prerequisite on Jeff's flight plan. Cut off from all mankind one could hang on to one's bar stool and wonder...I did at least those two things. The climb out terminated at an early phase of flight and was replaced by a 180 degree turn placing Blackbushe squarely before me. It was certain that whatever was going to happen next, I'd be first to get there.. Through the cloudy perspex Doug's Dakota fleet appeared..We returned to Blackbushe on the reciprocal to our recent take-off as Jeff opened up the taps and pushed down the nose. At this stage a number of things came to mind. First, the integrity of the ancient perspex that surrounded me. As the airspeed increased so did the mighty creaking of my plastic greenhouse. No idea how much was displayed on Jeff's ASI, but my aural ASI indicated lots!! The grass skimmed under my toes by inches - Jeff was known for his low level antics!! Feeling sure our prop tips must be cutting the grass when abeam where BCA now have their auction centre our nose reached for the sky, the horizon suggesting that we proceeded to reach vertical until the ASI unwound and with lots of left boot, and maybe asymmetric help, the B-25 performed a perfect wing over as we went weightless, rolled near inverted and rapidly conducted the downhill leg of our stunt so as to be reunited with the daisies as we scorched the full length of the airfield whereupon we gave the Terminal the closest view it will ever have of a B-25 with a pair of bulging eyeballs pressed against the nose turret perspex. We climbed away in the direction of the other airfield at Farnborough. The air traffic boys had requested we give them a salute. This was done Hawke style, but not quite so low as recent events at Blackbushe. The long sector from Farnborough to Odiham was quite peaceful and gave time to reflect on recent minutes, and wonder what it must have been like with a long flight ahead, enemy defences waiting and a lot of explosive stuff in the part of the aeroplane that today was empty. You cannot imagine was my conclusion, although I doubt that many of the real B-25 boys indulged in low lever aerobatics as Jeff Hawke did?? Massive power, proclaimed by massive noise..impressive, beautiful, and so much punch..The creaking perspex!A sobering view point..at least my gun was probably only a posh broom handle. The prospect of fire being returned with only that perspex for protection was truly sobering...our arrival at RAF Odiham was somewhat amusing.. Having enjoyed the tranquil Hampshire countryside as it slipped beneath us my first experience with the B-25 ended all too soon. Exhilarating, awe inspiring, emotional...etc etc However, as we taxied in amid the Royal Air Force's immaculate helicopters, and our engines fell silent, there appeared RAF grey uniforms from all directions. I think it must have been like a movie where an alien space craft has landed and the spectators are speechless at what they are seeing. In this case it was a beaten up B-25 which wasted no time in emptying hot oil onto Odiham's tarmac. Really rather amusing as the aeroplane's occupants wandered off accompanied by the ongoing military stares... My time with the B-25 was not finished. My last encounter was on the dreadful day when Roger Russell was killed. We were going to Biggin Hill in one of the B-25s but it refused to start. Roger, a couple of others and myself comprising the B-25 crew. My wife, son who was a couple of months old and myself had been invited to lunch with friends in Hatfield. I'd opted to go to the Battle of Britain airshow at Biggin. The warbird movement was very close to my heart, not everyday could you buzz round in a B-25 to such an event. With both engines firing we started our taxi to the Blackbushe runway only for the nose wheel tyre to burst. At this point I elected to abandon the Biggin Hill idea, we'd never get there on time and I did feel some guilt about leaving my family for the day. On arrival at Biggin we would have linked up with Don Bullock who was flying the Invader. Well, I went to lunch, the B-25 was fixed and made it to Biggin. Roger went to meet up with Don Bullock and tragically they all were killed shortly afterwards. The loss of Roger left a huge gap, one of my closest friends had gone with Don Bullock and Peter Warren who drove the Invader, and B-17 Sally B. It left life long question mark over my head as to what would have happened had the nose wheel tyre not shredded at Blackbushe. Nothing was worse than the phone call from Roger's Mum that evening asking if he was by any chance with me?? Life is a game of chance... PB
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Post by graham on Apr 4, 2015 7:44:27 GMT
Strange isn't it Peter, we all make conscious and maybe occasionally unconscious decisions every day of our lives that alter the course we take, yet we rarely have an insight into what would have happened had we not changed course. It must have been a very sobering thought for you and tragic too of course upon hearing of the deaths of your pals, that you could have so easily have been on that flight had circumstanres not changed. Thoroughly enjoyed reading about your B-25 exploits, what an experience.
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Post by peterbrown on Apr 4, 2015 22:02:08 GMT
Thanks Graham..the B-25 is a fabulous bird! if you get the chance to fly in one - take it!! Certainly more 'dynamic' than the B-17 or the B-29, still waiting to add the Lancaster to the log book!
As you say, we make our daily decisions never knowing the consequences, but perhaps that 'unknown' and the game of chance are part of being human. If we knew what lay ahead we might never get out of bed??
See you in a couple of weeks. Hopefully???
PB
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Post by graham on Apr 5, 2015 19:17:07 GMT
Hi Peter, if we all knew what was pre-planned for us I doubt any of us would ever get out of bed. Jeff tells me you are away to sunnier climes for a week or two so have a great time and see you soon. All the best!
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Post by peterbrown on Apr 19, 2015 6:04:59 GMT
Hello!! Back from the sunnier climes (only slightly so..). Brain function in post holiday mode, but here's what I put together this morning.. "Photo of the Day" 19/04/15Greetings Gentlemen, and gentle ladies who may be inclined toward matters aeronautical.. Well, all good things come to an end and my I'm back on dry land having enjoyed floating around the low countries aboard a vessel owned by a company sharing the name of a well known twin engined airliner of the 'real' Blackbushe era.. A quiet beginning is called for today, and gliding is about a quiet as you can get apart from the thrills of an inflight engine failure. Blackbushe indeed hosted gliding activity before she was officially opened in 1942 when types such as the Horsa and Hamilcar underwent their test flying programme finding the new open spaces of Blackbushe (RAF Hartford Bridge as it was) more inviting than the hectic circuit of Farnborough where much in the way of experimental flying was going on.. In the sixties gliding returned for a while. The reasons escape me, but I recall that the airfield was being evaluated for its potential use by the gliding fraternity. While I love gliders and floating around in silence seems so ideal, Blackbushe proved not to be be another Lasham and the gliding days were shirt lived. Sadly any further detail has escaped from these days fifty years ago. PB
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Post by graham on Apr 19, 2015 9:37:27 GMT
Good to see you back Peter and so pleased you had a good holiday. Thanks very much for today's instalment in the history of Blackbushe, I for one had no idea that the airfield had been used for gliding, albeit for a short time span.
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Post by peterbrown on Apr 26, 2015 6:55:19 GMT
Another week over, and an extract from the past week's "Photo of the Day" from the Blackbushe Airport forum... "Photo of the Day" 23/04/15Those of you who noted yesterday's POTD will recall the comparison drawn between the colour of the Red Devil's Islander and my nose. Happily, my nose has now moved toward recovery and life might just still be viable, my nose being closer to EasyJet orange today.. As I happened to be passing Blackbushe yesterday, and against my better judgement, I decided to stop off for a brief walk that might have been beneficial toward the fever that had gripped me. Big mistake.. However, having the phone/camera in my pocket I took a few snaps of my favourite airfield's disused parts. Perhaps it was spurred on by the fever based delirium, but the plight of the airfield struck me with clearly defined clarity... An airfield in this location, so close to one of Europe's major capitals should be a show case example of a small business man's airport - look at what LCY has achieved with a similar runway length, but far less attractive approaches! While it is good to see Blackbushe still serving a small part of the demands of aviation, the fact that the main hangars have now been taken over by the needs of the pre-owned motor vehicle business leaving the Airport with no hangar space - apart from the temporary plastic ones - does not bode well for the future. Obviously, that is only my personal view as are my views as to how Blackbushe should be developed. Our country would seem to have no coherent plans toward aviation. Politicians do the 'airport two-step' when trying not to commit to definite plans. Look at the inquiries into new airports that have gone on for decades. The one firm decision made was the fastest possible destruction of Blackbushe Airport as government investment in Gatwick might have been embarrassed..The fact that facilities serving Blackbushe were destroyed so thoroughly bears testament to somebody not wanting Blackbushe to fly again. The new "Header" photo conveys some feeling as to the destruction of the Airport, it could not be allowed to exist.. The vipers in the Blackbushe undergrowth have done their worst for the airfield in supporting its closure and subsequently destroying large parts of its surface infrastructure. Now, almost fifty five years since the last day in May, 1960, when the last Vikings said 'farewell' to their home it strikes me as a miracle that the airfield exists at all and gratitude goes to AVM Bennett, Doug Arnold and BCA. Blackbushe will never be a major airport again, or at least I don't think it will, but with London's airports being full by 2030 one is tempted to view the viability Blackbushe could offer... Talking of vipers at Blackbushe, the local paper today runs an article on adders on the disused acres of Blackbushe. They suggest leaving them alone... Wise words. Adders have proliferated on Blackbushe for years. I recall Gordon Wilmer taking me to see to a pond just north of the airfield, but on airport land, and they were there in their masses....adders!! Yesterday's walk around the adder's playground proved that spring is here... ..it also proved that the dog owners continue to provide canine manure for the unwary. If the adders don't get you, the doggy droppings might.. Bits of old Blackbushe still litter the common land - The old runway 14/32 refuses to die totally... London Blackbushe Airport..2015 The apron gave a glance as to how things should be here..such sights are very welcome! and the car park always seems pretty full, but I still can't work out where all the car occupants go to! I know that many people take the view point that nothing will ever happen at Blackbushe so far as aviation taking a stronger grip on the airfield is concerned. It needs vision, it needs massive investment and no doubt there is a dire lack of both, but I continue to harbour an inclination toward thinking that a sleeping potential needs awakening?? PB
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Post by graham on Apr 26, 2015 17:34:29 GMT
Thanks again to you Peter for today's thought provoking insight into the history and semi-demise of Blackbushe in the early 1960s. Let's all keep "fingers crossed" that as the other major general aviation fields around the capital continue to reach bursting point, there will be a "call-to-arms" for Blackbushe one day in the not-too-distant future.
One thought regarding the parked cars but lack of people - maybe they are enjoying a bacon buttie in the excellent cafe?
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