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Post by PB on Nov 10, 2023 7:53:00 GMT
"Photo of the Day" 10/11/23It's that time of year, not just falling leaves and falling temperatures, but the time we remember the dark shadows of wars gone by, the terrible losses the gains, and the sacrifices required.
The season of goodwill is apparently not far off, the 'festive' season, yet yesterday I felt wracked with guilt on entering our local garden centre. Transformed into a winter wonderland of lights, and Christmas stuff I looked at the excited young faces and thought of my precious grandsons, and then the images of twisted and torn children in Gaza, Israel, and not forgetting Ukraine, hit me with force. How can we live with ourselves in a world where such stark contrasts exist? I know, it's a simplistic notion, eight decades ago Nazi Germany launched a similar fate on Europe - still in the living memory of our senior citizens, it's just tragic that the miracle of humanity has been blotted by conflict..
Without those with the courage to face the evil forces of despots and dictators we certainly would not be enjoying the life we have today. Tomorrow, Armistice Day, we remember the many thousands of lives given, sacrificed, for our fragile peace, a wreath will be laid at Blackbushe in salute to the many who flew from our runways and did, or did not, return. From our part, a small token of gratitude and admiration of those who regularly faced degrees of terror that we who are younger will hopefully never have to experience.
If we transport ourselves back to November, 1943, and refer to Stuart Marshall's account of life at RAF Hartford Bridge - life had its brighter side. Remember, back then the airfield covered a much wider area and the RAF messes and accommodation stretched down toward Yateley village..
"When 107 Squadron were not flying they could field a fairly reasonable football team. The story goes that they had an American crew member who expressed a wish to join the team although he had never seen football before, let alone played the game. Always keen to accept new players the team offered him the position of goal keeper which he enthusiastically accepted. Unfortunately he didn't do too well, which was probably easily explained as nobody had told him until half-time that he could use his hands as well as his feet... There is no record of the final score.
The Officers Mess building consisted of two large Nissen huts which were positioned parallel to each other with another hut placed at right angles half way along and between them, forming an H shape. The latter hut accommodated the cloakroom, toilets and Commanding Officer's private reception/entertaining room. The other two huts consisted of the kitchen and dining room in one and he bar and lounge area in the other. There was a separate games room nearby which contained snooker, bar billiards, shove halfpenny and a dart board. The whole of the Officers' Mess was well used and no doubt provided a suitable venue for much entertainment of hard-pressed crews. The Mess was situated at the bottom of Dungells Lane where it joins Handford Lane. From the Mess there was a much-used path which eventually came out beside St Peter's church in Yateley village close to the Dog and Partridge pub, much frequented by airfield personnel. It was also a quick way down to the bus stop for those making their way to Reading or Camberley."The above perhaps just offers something of a look at life at the airfield we know as Blackbushe as war raged on..It was home to many personnel who covered all aspects of running a large operational airbase. It is to the life and fun, tragedy, grief, and intense comradeship, all of which were integral parts of life, that my mind tries to focus on at this time of year. Tragic that their world and all evidence of it was removed without ceremony by those who, for whatever reasons, left not even a token of appreciation.
Tomorrow, they will be remembered."Home again". An image that tells a story, a story not to be forgotten.PB
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Post by PB on Nov 11, 2023 8:22:16 GMT
Photo of the Day" 11/11/23Armistice Day, the day marking the end of the "war to end all wars", the war that truly brought the term 'cannon fodder' to reality, the end of the First Wold War. As we know, this was nowhere near being the mystical end to warfare, twenty-one years later a new and truly global world war would consume the planet... The First World War decimated our population of young men who were dispatched to foreign fields, but the UK infrastructure remained almost free of the destruction that would come 'next time'. Today we see extremist ideologies fuelled by religious doctrine, or perhaps an ethnic group, much as in 1933 when Hitler and his Nazi party had their own racist ideology. A terrible precedent currently festering both in the Middle East and eastern Europe. The war that would end 'all wars' sadly was not.. In 1939 Hitler invaded Poland and once again we were drawn into a conflict that was bloody not only in the UK but across the planet. Tomorrow is Remembrance Sunday when we stop and for a silent two minutes remember and give thanks for our peace and the many lives it cost to achieve in all wars. Those two minutes will take our thoughts back in so many ways, each of us no doubt having relatives involved in that last war in one way or another.
My thoughts tomorrow, as with every Remembrance Sunday at 11.00 will be with the many aircrew who flew from Blackbushe - then RAF Hartford Bridge - and in the process made that supreme sacrifice. I shall look across the now somewhat overgrown and silent remains of the airfield and, as I often do, will think of the many who were stationed here - what it must have meant to them - and of the many who made their final courageous journey from these runways. It is the least I can do. With months of war still ahead, one of the airfield's very large hangars provides shelter for the Supreme Commander's visit to RAF Hartford Bridge in 1944. PB
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Post by PB on Nov 12, 2023 7:18:42 GMT
"Photo of the Day" 12/11/23"For Your tomorrow, We Gave Our Today".
Here we are alive and sharing their "tomorrows", some of us having now lived perhaps three times the length of those lives given up in war for our peace. A fragile peace, lives continue to be shed in the search for peace, not only military lives but as in all wars the thousands of innocents who perish or whose lives are violently torn apart. Just turn on the news today...
Countless thousands of soldiers, sailors and airmen have added to the grim totals of war on all sides. We're all human at the end of the day, the fact that we are unable to live in overall peace reflects on our innate inability to appreciate what we have - the most amazing planet Earth. Visiting war graves wherever they may be, they all tell the same silent story, the peace they gave their all for is there - it just waits for us to employ it.. Reading the many epitaphs invites tears to roll down the cheeks of those lucky enough to read them.
Today, Remembrance Sunday, a small party will gather at Blackbushe to lay another wreath in memory of those who gave their all flying from our airfield in World War Two. Yesterday, as a wreath was placed at eleven o'clock in memory of the crew and military passengers of the Viking lost shortly after leaving Blackbushe, I noted a majestic Red Kite soaring in the peaceful air above the airfield as the gathered party observed two minutes silence for the fallen. Its majestic freedom spoke volumes...
Today, at 11.00 we remember specifically the aircrews who did not return to the peaceful skies of Blackbushe during World War Two. If you are able to join the gathering at the foot of the Control Tower you'll be very welcome.A simple, but so meaningful salute to those lost when Viking G-AJBO fell to Earth on 1st May, 1957.May your day be peaceful..
PB
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Post by PB on Nov 13, 2023 7:19:29 GMT
"Photo of the Day" 13/11/23The year moves on, November's waypoints are crossed with Halloween, Guy Fawkes over, and the all important Remembrance weekend respected in the way it should be. Next stop Christmas. Yesterday, as mentioned in POTD a wreath was quietly laid in memory of the many aircrews who failed to return from ops at RAF Hartford Bridge. A very small gathering joined us for the two minutes silence, the Airport fire crew and two or three others from the Blackbushe circle.. RAF Hartford Bridge was one of the most significant wartime bases in Hampshire as WW2 progressed, her losses too were significant, we must never lose them from our thoughts and appreciation.
Moving on, or at least backwards, today's date carries significance in respect of air transport in the UK...In 1944 civil air services to London were restored, with peace coming back to our skies Railway Air Services started air operations again. Formed from the big four railway companies of the time GWR, LMS, LNER, and SR plus Imperial Airways Railway Air services operated domestic UK services that linked to Imperial's international flights. Flying a mixed fleet of aeroplanes and Croydon based, by 1946 they operated a mixed fleet of Dakotas, Ansons, and some ex Luftwaffe Ju 52s...The UK enjoyed civil domestic air services! In August 1946 the government formed state-owned British European Airways who were given a monopoly of UK domestic and international services. RAS operated on behalf of BEA until January '47 when RAS ceased operations as BEA acquired their aircraft, routes, and staff..
A romantic side of me has long visualised Blackbushe playing a role in domestic air operations, but that's just me. FlyBe were interested at one point, but without a suitable infrastructure it would never happen. Visiting F-27s, 748s, a Viscount and smaller Skyvans etc have always lead to my imagination becoming over excited!
Post war Blackbushe increasingly played a role in civil air transport, domestic and international, becoming one of London's prime sources of domestic and international flights. It all ended in 1960 when the government chose to close the place, the perfectly placed Blackbushe with her ease of access, environmental credibility, good weather record and home to some major airlines was rapidly disposed of and pretty much destroyed.
The fact that Blackbushe survives today is due to the tenacity of her owners since 1960, she still has much to offer!Early post-war resident Westminster Airways Dakota G-AJAY was regular sight at Blackbushe 1947-48.Another offering from Westminster Airways, Halifax G-AJNW, returned from the Berlin Airlift, it operated from Blackbushe until the end of 1950 when withdrawn from use.PB
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Post by PB on Nov 14, 2023 6:36:24 GMT
"Photo of the Day" 14/11/2314th November, a night with terrible consequences was about to unleashed on the people of Coventry in 1940. The Luftwaffe launched an air-raid attack on the city with over 430 aircraft. 380 civilians were listed as killed with some 800 injured..
Tragic consequence awaited on this date in 1944. RAF Air Chief Marshal Sir Trafford Leigh-Mallory, his wife, and eight crew were killed when their Avro York struck a 6,300ft ridge in the French alps. Leigh-Mallory was founder of the 'big-wing' plan at the time of the Battle of Britain, it was hoped that massed squadrons in the air would make significant inroads into Hitler's plan for air supremacy. As history indicates, the Luftwaffe gave up on their plans to eliminate the RAF, and Hitler cancelled 'operation sea lion' the invasion of Great Britain..Blackbushe Air Day back in June of this year. Old adversaries met under the peace and warm sunshine of a June day.PB
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Post by PB on Nov 15, 2023 6:06:57 GMT
"Photo of the Day" 15/11/2305.30, another day launched in a week of meetings, social gatherings, medical appointments, sleepless nights, and penetrating Sadiq Khan's ULEZ.... That's life, it's never boring!
Now, I know that by the end of today some 300 good people will have at least looked at "POTD" for a moment...I also know that from within those 300 souls there is sympathy for Blackbushe and in particular sympathy for the Blackbushe Heritage Trust and the restoration of the Viking airliner that now abides in its Blackbushe hangar.
You know that the Viking's future depends not only on our volunteers, but also on financial solid ground to cover the ongoing costs of bringing an old aeroplane back to life. THIS is where you can do yourself a favour and support the Trust's ambition. The Blackbushe Heritage Trust calendar for 2024 is now on sale and you can snap one up before they're gone via the online shop. The first time ever a calendar has focused on Blackbushe, it's a MUST for anyone who has empathy with the Airport and in particular wishes to support the Viking!!! Just £10, hang it on your wall with pride and it'll be a talking point for every month in the coming year. Click the link and yours will be on its way to a wall near you!! www.blackbusheheritagetrust.com/store/p/bht2024calendar Don't hang about, once they're gone they're gone... Get your calendar NOW, you really know you should!!!
Have a nice day, and a nice year in 2024 with the BHT calendar.... www.blackbusheheritagetrust.com/store/p/bht2024calendar
PB
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Post by PB on Nov 16, 2023 7:17:08 GMT
"Photo of the Day" 16/11/23Another day on the medical merry-go-round, but all in a good cause..hopefully!
Now, important stuff, who has bought their Blackbushe Heritage Trust calendar following yesterday's "POTD"?? If you have not, you'd better not hang about, it'll soon be 2024 and stocks won't last for ever..
Moving on, but staying in the same place, ie the Blackbushe Heritage Trust. Have you armed yourself with this year's Raffle tickets yet?
No?? Read on.... Every penny raised goes towards the Viking, and we know a lot of you are looking forward to see a resplendent refurbished Viking gracing Blackbushe again. Needn't spell it out to you, Raffle ticket sales are aimed directly and totally to the restoration of our historic airliner.
So, why should YOU buy a fist full if Raffle tickets apart from supporting the Trust's endeavours?? Prizes my friend, prizes....
A flight simulator experience with British Airways. A rare and unique opportunity to handle a modern state of the art airliner. Imagine!!
Smaller in size, but a one hour flight in a Cessna 150 from Blackbushe.. Up, up and away!
A limited edition watch engraved with the aircraft's serial number.. A truly rare prize!
Plus a host of other generously donated prizes, Spitfire cufflinks made from Spitfire components, £50 Pathfinder voucher, Hair Cut in Hartley Wintney, meal voucher at the nearby Ely Hotel, Family ticket to Brooklands museum, £50 meal voucher at the Leather Bottle in Mattingley, a goodie bag from Aerobility, and a tour for two at the Silent Pool Distillery.....
Well, if that does not get you rushing to buy your tickets - what will???
You may buy single tickets for £3.00 here... www.blackbusheheritagetrust.com/store/p/bhtraffletickets
Or.. buy a book of five tickets at the discounted price of £12.00 here... www.blackbusheheritagetrust.com/store/p/bhtraffletickets-book5
While there, please take some time to look around the Blackbushe Heritage Trust's website, I think you'll agree we've come a long way in a short time!!
The Raffle draw will take place on Thursday, 21st December, at the Blackbushe Heritage Trust evening. From 19.00 to 20.30 we will be updating on our progress, and future plans. We'll happily take questions and hopefully provide answers, seasonal - and other - drinks will be available plus a cold buffet! No charge for the evening, but we would suggest a £5 donation at the door (or however much you wish to give..) to cover our costs...
There you have it, a land of opportunity awaits - just needs you!!
With your help, "Vagabond" sleeps under home skies again and looking forward to her new life at Blackbushe!
Hopefully you'll join us for the evening of 21st December??
Thank you!!
PB
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Post by PB on Nov 17, 2023 7:49:08 GMT
"Photo of the Day" 17/11/23+2C..a distinct nip of winter in the air at 6am.. Brings back memories of long gone days in the Caribbean when work took you to far away places where the frost never settled. Today marks a notable 2003 departure to beautiful Barbados, G-BOAE, another Concorde left home for ever, this one to take up residence at Grantley Adams Airport, Barbados. Seems a long while since looking north from Blackbushe the needle sharp Concordes could be seen heading west at the start of another Atlantic crossing. The rich and famous would have to enjoy an extra few hours getting to NYC in the well proven subsonic way as Concorde passed into history.
Time has flown, but we always look forward to time in the future - hopefully - and what better way to do it than equip yourself with a 2024 Blackbushe Heritage Trust calendar??Twelve months of Blackbushe related action for just a tenner, a tenner that will support the Trust's ambition to place a Viking back on Blackbushe, a Viking that will tell the story not of just an aeroplane, but of the great history that that aeroplane and Blackbushe Airport made together...
Calendars, and many other items, available from the Blackbushe online shop... www.blackbusheheritagetrust.com/store/p/bht2024calendarWe may have the worst of winter weather ahead, but we'll soon be half way to next year's Blackbushe Air Day!!PB
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Post by PB on Nov 18, 2023 9:48:30 GMT
"Photo of the Day" 18/11/23The POTD editorial department had a significant 'over-sleep' event this wet Saturday...followed by one's four year old grandson who is staying for the weekend demanding to get airborne with the flight simulator. With a little bit of help from Grandad our student departed Farnborough and landed on 25 at Blackbushe, his satisfaction at completing a 'cross-country' was obvious! However, the day is somewhat off schedule now, so just one photo to keep our daily encounter serviced...Those who attended the Blackbushe Heritage Trust talk this week will have been entertained by the amazing story regarding the restoration of a BN-2 Islander. Here's a moment from the BN display during Farnborough Week long ago. It's 'interesting' how all the aircraft types on the ground were then 'modern' but in a blink are now cast under the 'vintage' or obsolete banner...Time's relentless passage, but dear old Blackbushe carries on, she may be 'vintage' but she's far from obsolete!!
See you tomorrow.. Zzzzzz
PB
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Post by PB on Nov 19, 2023 7:06:50 GMT
"Photo of the Day" 19/11/23With just over a month to Christmas time to think of some gift ideas that would also benefit the Blackbushe Heritage Trust and placing a Viking back on Blackbushe!! Maybe treat yourself to some Raffle tickets, the winners being selected at our Christmas social evening on 21 December.. Prizes from flying to meals out to a hair cut, every ticket you buy is an investment in the Viking project and, of course, your chance of winning. A book of five tickets is £12 or single tickets are £3...
How about a Heritage Trust watch, limited edition and engraved with the Vagabond's name and registration, supplied in a presentation box with Blackbushe Heritage trust branding... and only £60!!
Or the gift that keeps on giving..our 2024 calendar for just £10. Twelve pages of celebrating Blackbushe with exclusive photos! Just £10 for a year's enjoyment...
All of the above available through the online shop... www.blackbusheheritagetrust.com/store
Or, if you're thinking of the chance to win £25,000 you should join the Hart Lottery and nominate the Blackbushe Heritage Trust as your chosen good cause. www.hartlottery.co.uk/ Half of your ticket price is then given to the Trust, and hopefully we'll all be winners!! www.hartlottery.co.uk/Winter's coming..We're back in 1962 and the winter of winters. The west end of Blackbushe when the airfield was owned by AVM Bennett, today this piece of nature is buried under BCA's sprawling used car centre. Those pine forests provided amazing walks, silent, tranquil, detached. One's thoughts as a teenager always went back to the sounds and sights that would have reverberated through this sanctity during WW2 and the peaceful days of the big piston engines!!Winter's coming, but hopefully not a repeat of the BIG freeze of 1962/63... Hopefully some hangars will eventually provide shelter for precious airframes during the rigours of winter?..on that happy note, a certain four year old Grandson is about to burst in and want some more flight simulation.. See you tomorrow!
PB
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