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Post by PB on Jan 14, 2024 7:36:22 GMT
"Photo of the Day" 14/01/24Following yesterday's "POTD" and a request to see the word "Done" in the Forum's 'Comments' section, sincerest thanks to all who placed that welcome word having completed the Blackbushe Consultation response.
There's still plenty of time until the 16th February deadline, and I'm sure many of our followers will have added their essential responses to the Consultation without any form of prompting, BUT if you have perchance not yet added your sentiments toward the Consultation this cold Sunday is just the time to do it!!
Blackbushe Airport needs to expand her infrastructure to survive, you know, things like hangars and modern premises for the resident operators, a new Terminal and Control Tower, a new "Pathfinder"restaurant, the current location is decades old, a 'temporary' structure and nice new purpose built "Pathfinder" would be great for everyone.. BUT, to achieve these aims ancient laws that have antagonised any significant improvements over the past six decades have to be addressed. This is now happening with a planned 'land exchange' that hopefully meets the nod of all parties. Procedures have to be endured, the Consultation is just the beginning of what is hoped will be the last battle for Blackbushe, but it is of paramount importance gathering evidence of public support - or to the contrary - that will be used in the final decision making as to Blackbushe's future. YOUR input is vital..cannot stress it enough.
Once again, here's all you need to know about the Consultation procedure, read through and at the very end you will find the Consultation response that just needs a few words from yourself, and "click" and you're done. www.blackbusheairport.co.uk/consultation
Having done the good deed, as asked yesterday, it would be much appreciated if you'd plonk the word "Done" in the "POTD" Comments section.. That's found here... blackbusheairport.proboards.com/post/19239
Grateful thanks to all who have 'submitted' and grateful thanks in advance to all who have yet to submit their response to the Consultation that is an essential part of the journey toward a modernised and better equipped Blackbushe - the thing we all wish for!!Moving on, this morning here are the last pages from the John Lowe album of Blackbushe during Farnborough Week 1956.We move into another week knowing that we'll never seen John's cheery countenance and his obvious love for Blackbushe, her history, and her hopes... Our lives are the richer for his experience, and the memories he imparted over the past years.
Now, name a light aeroplane that was born in the USA but swept around the world's flying schools, becoming the steed upon which many a 'first solo' was performed. Today, 14 January, marks the anniversary of her very first flight in 1960. The the type was born and flew for the first time in the year that Blackbushe would be closed, but in the saving of the Airport sixty-four years ago has become a staple part of her home based fleets. The Piper Cherokee, metal, low wing, with over 32,000 examples built... Happy birthday!!The Cherokee, so much a part of the landscape at airfields around the world, and without doubt a major player at Blackbushe during the type's entire lifetime.. See you tomorrow....
PB
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Post by PB on Jan 15, 2024 7:14:41 GMT
"Photo of the Day" 15/01/24Sincere thanks to all who have submitted their Consultation responses, sincerest hopes that many more will follow before the February 16th deadline. The Consultation, should you have missed the previous epistles, is based on the planned Land Exchange upon which the future of Blackbushe hangs. I'll make no bones about it, if you wish to see Blackbushe survive and enhance her facilities your contributions are of the utmost importance, I cannot imagine that anyone with the slightest leanings toward the airfields long term success would not complete this document. Please ensure you complete it and spread the word too!!
It's here waiting!! www.blackbusheairport.co.uk/consultation
...and , if you wish, let us know you've done the deed with the word "done" here >> in the 'comments' department! blackbusheairport.proboards.com/post/19241Yesterday we noted the anniversary of the first flight of an aeroplane that has been very present at Blackbushe over the past six decades, the Piper Cherokee.
Today, we note the first flight of another aeroplane that was very visible at Blackbushe during the fifties...The delightful Beech 18 first flew on this day in 1937.... A very familiar sight at Blackbushe during the fifties thanks to the United States Navy who used the type regularly during their tenancy of Blackbushe. The day-glo twins with their distinctive sounds added greatly to the Blackbushe picture during those 'golden years'...Seen taxiing past the Blackbushe Control Tower in the years before the all glass Visual Control Room was added on top..I was determined to find and acquire a Beech 18 for the Blackbushe 75th Anniversary show back in 2017. Luck was on our side and this beautiful example joined us for both days! She joined some other examples of Blackbushe in the fifties including the Anson, Catalina, C-47 Dakota, and a Percival Prince. Sadly, it has since been written off, but the memory of this lovely aeroplane's return to Blackbushe has left some endearing memories.. The sight and sound of a Beech 18 back in the Blackbushe circuit was very moving - memories of a school boy who often cycled the uphill journey to commune with the wonders of the then fully operational Blackbushe Airport. Happy Monday! PB
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Post by PB on Jan 16, 2024 6:37:54 GMT
"Photo of the Day" 16/01/24Quite naturally, the coldest morning of the winter and it's the one requiring a very early 'chocks away'.... The home weather stations currently reporting -5.1C from the system mounted some 30ft above the ground, the low level station reporting -6.8C from its commanding position on the shed roof... Looking forward to thawing out the car before the frozen lump can transport me to the early appointment.
Enough on that, time is of the essence so a necessarily abrupt "POTD" this morning..
Just ONE thing to say before I launch...DO NOT FORGET THIS THURSDAY EVENING, 18 JANUARY, AT THE PATHFINDER. IT'S DAVE PAYNE'S BIG PROPS EVENING AND IF YOU HAVE ONE SMIDGEN OF EMOTION WHEN IT COMES TO THE SOUND OF YESTERDAY'S MAGNIFICENT AEROPLANES YOU WILL BE AT BLACKBUSHE THIS THURSDAY FOR A 7PM START... Tickets are still available, just £10 and every penny goes to our 'Big Prop' example, the Blackbushe Heritage Trust's Viking....The doors will be flung open from 18.30, you may pay at the door - or in advance via this link www.blackbusheheritagetrust.com/store/p/david-payne-those-propliner-years A Blackbushe based Eagle Airways DC-6 prepares for action. Thursday night is "big-props" night, you really do not want to miss the action..... Got it?See you there! Now for the frozen wastelands that await...
PB
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Post by PB on Jan 17, 2024 8:15:40 GMT
"Photo of the Day" 17/01/24Feels almost tropical at -0.8C this morning....
If we turn back the pages of aviation history to 1948, some of us were very young at the time, our national long-haul flag carrier, BOAC, were in the process of replacing flying boats with land-based aircraft. Funny thing time, when I was with BOAC/British Airways our VC10s still seemed very modern and talk of flying boats reflected upon what was seemingly a bygone age. Time's work has been done, no doubt crews of today perhaps talk of the 'mini-fleet' days of the 707/VC10 as belonging to ancient history.. The world is certainly very different to the era where propellers were a vital part of a day in aviation when attached to lovely lumps like the Bristol Hercules.Propellers are far from redundant when attached to modern turboprop units. This Skyvan was a welcome visitor to Blackbushe during the 1960s and showed the type of quiet aeroplanes that suited the airport's future aspirations. The Dove belonged to AVM Bennett and sat at Blackbushe for too long after its flying days were done. To the right lies Blackbushe 'east' - where once the apron stretched into the distance - the photo clearly shows how under the care of the local authority the area had commenced its transformation into the boondocks that over sixty years have replaced the Airport's eastern extremity. Don't forget tomorrow night at the Pathfinder... the ultimate propeller driven trip!!! www.blackbusheheritagetrust.com/events/david-payne-those-propliner-yearsPB
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Post by PB on Jan 18, 2024 7:07:25 GMT
"Photo of the Day" 18/01/24Cool today... Reports from my shed roof weather station indicate -9C at the moment, 06.30, the station flying above the house -7C. Whichever way you view it one can only assume the potholes that are hungry for your tyres and suspension will have an even greater appetite for our vehicles' delicate places...Hampshire County Council have totally ignored my claim of a couple of years back when one of their carefully cultured potholes masked and cunningly disguised as a puddle destroyed £100's worth of tyre. I admit I didn't follow-up very with much enthusiam, but the pothole is still there despite sending them photos and exact location after the 'big bang'...
Moving forward, TONIGHT yes TONIGHT is the night you should be at Blackbushe's Pathfinder for the very latest in Blackbushe Heritage Trust talks. I've mentioned it enough over previous days, but tonight's is Dave Payne's extravaganza of 'big-prop' memories, the sights that once occupied Blackbushe, London Airport, and all the other transport airports of days gone by. Do yourself a favour and be here tonight, doors open 18.30 for 19.00 'take-off'..... Tickets at the door £10 or online now via www.blackbusheheritagetrust.com/events/david-payne-those-propliner-years Don't forget every penny of your ticket price goes directly into the funds supporting our own airliner with big props, the BHT Viking!! Thanks and 'see you' tonight. The Pathfinder will be warm and cosy unlike the weather outside!!To warm your appetite, some of Blackbushe's big props of days gone by.. Converted Halifax bombers became freighters..Home based Avro Tudors swung some pretty big props!Some of us remember the magic of 'civil' Merlins making themselves known!!..by and by all things must end, as did the fabulous days of Blackbushe and the 'big props'. The end of another Farnborough Week day in 1959. A varied collection of the day's visitors make for the 26 hold (yes it was 26 then!). Some of us were boys on bikes, at 13 years old such times left an indelible mark on the grey cells, you can still tell by these "POTD" mornings!Hopefully we'll see and welcome you to the "Big Props" evening tonight??
PB
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Post by PB on Jan 19, 2024 7:59:35 GMT
"Photo of the Day" 19/01/24Still kinda cool, minus 7C being reported from the shed roof station..
But, despite the seasonal chill, last night was one where regardless of the temperature outside, the Pathfinder was full to capacity for Dave Payne's captivating evening of moments from the world of 'big props', be it any of the big three London airports of the fifties. Blackbushe, Northolt, and London Airport now known as Heathrow.
Seeing Blackbushe as she was in the fifties and the great variety of air traffic she handled it must be hard for those of 'younger years' to capture that unique Blackbushe world of the post war decade of the fifties. However, Dave's incredible collection of photos captured so much from those days, a large lump of nostalgia will be lingering for a long while to come!
THANK YOU to all who attended and filled every seat, I'm sure all will agree that the atmosphere within the Pathfinder was not only a lot warmer than that outside the door, it was also electric with so many images of yesterday's big prop driven days being placed before us. The demise of beautiful Blackbushe in 1960 will always be a time of immense sadness for the thousands of worker involved but also those who were younger at the time whose love for the airfield has proved to be enduring...
It was my great pleasure to present, before Dave's show, some tokens of our appreciation to Paul and his team who have so generously provided the scaffolding that currently surrounds our Viking restoration, and again to the other Paul with us last night who has so generously and skillfully produced the trestles that hold the Viking's fuselage from the ground and enabled work to proceed in a stable and safe fashion. To each we gave Blackbushe Heritage Trust watches to celebrate the time we have had with their company!!Last night at the Pathfinder. A full house engrossed in the pages of Blackbushe history..Captivating moments, just one of those steps back in time where memories of youthful years flooded back, almost as if the clock had spun back the best part of seven decades... A resident Hermes on-tow, a Ministry Land Rover, and what looks like a United States Navy "Warning Star" Super Constellation way in the distance. Blackbushe was sooo much bigger then.Here's a moment from the past, Lodestar N69415 at Blackbushe on 29 July, 1955. A Dario Crusafon photo, just one of so many images from the apron with Blackbushe's distinctive while chain link fence that bordered the apron in front of the Terminal.Her memories live on! Last seen at the Museo Aeronautico, Montevideo.Thank you again Dave for a truly magical evening!
Tomorrow "POTD" looks to the coming days that are going to be so important to Blackbushe Airport's long-term future...
History in the making!!
PB
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Post by PB on Jan 20, 2024 8:20:57 GMT
"Photo of the Day" 20/01/24Saturday morning, 07.00 and a mighty PLUS 2C reported by the weather station up above the chimney pots, a very welcome example of a changing climate! Seems we'll be blown away by it before the weekend's out?
Down to business. This week we've celebrated the past with Dave Payne's meticulous study of the 'big-props' when a sell-out audience were transported back to the days some of us remember with great clarity! Now it's time to address the future and the serious business of 'tomorrow' at Blackbushe! The future is looking more promising at the moment than I can recall at any time during the past 64 years, but we can all play our part in cementing the Airport's future hopes of a better tomorrow and its very necessary ability to offer hangars, and new modern facilities for its tenants, staff, and diners where the Pathfinder's customers may enjoy more space, great views, longer hours, and of course more great food!! But, first things first.
As you know, there is a Consultation running until 16th February whereby we can all express our support for the proposed Land Exchange that will facilitate the necessary 'non-Common Land' upon which those long missed facilities may appear. It is with much gratitude that thanks go to our "POTD" followers who have already completed their response to the Consultation offering support for the planned Land Exchange. From the point of view of anyone who appreciates the value of a suitably equipped Blackbushe as a vital General Aviation facility, its prospects for high-quality employment, and support of the local economy, the completion and submission of the Consultation is VITAL!!
For anyone who has not yet completed their submission, perhaps we could ask for a very few minutes of your time. One again here's your link to the Consultation. www.blackbusheairport.co.uk/consultation Do read right through to the end of these details and there you'll find the Consultation response. Only takes a minute to complete, hit 'send', and you've done your duty!!!
Now, dates coming up... This coming week you are invited to leave home once again and attend the Ely Hotel, I give you these words from the Blackbushe Airport website regarding an exceptional gathering of the Blackbushe Airport Consultative Committee. A public meeting where you may, if you wish, publicly add your thoughts as per the Land Exchange and the associated future of the Airport. Public attendance at the BACC meeting is is usually pretty poor, we can change that for this crucial time in the Blackbushe story. TUESDAY 23rd JANUARY, ELY HOTEL, 7pm. See you there......
"Extraordinary consultative committee meeting.
Our consultative committee usually meets twice a year. To allow a forum for local councillors to ask questions about the application, we have organised an Extraordinary Consultative Committee meeting on Tuesday 23rd January 2024 at 19:00. As we expect a larger public turnout than at regular meetings, we have booked the function room at The Ely, London Road, Blackwater, Camberley, GU17 9LJ."
A good turn-out on Tuesday evening would make a big difference. Over to you....
This coming week will witness the unveiling of the National Transport Trust 'Red Wheel' at Blackbushe Airport. The award rightly celebrates and marks Blackbushe Airport's part in the growth of our nation's post-war air travel, and at last provides that richly deserved recognition. The Lord-Lieutenant of Hampshire will be in attendance, another day for the Blackbushe history books, Friday 26th January.
What are you doing on June 15th this year?? Why? It's the Blackbushe Air Day 2024. Write it on your calendar now! Gathering interesting and unusual aeroplanes will be part of the agenda over the coming week... NOw, if you know owners/operators of aircraft you'd like to see attend the event's static park please feel free to drop me a line on the Forum's "Messages" facility. Some ideas are formulating right now, but please submit your ideas!! Thanks... www.blackbusheairday.com/
The Twilight Runway Challenge - 21st September this year - has become an annual Blackbushe event where in a party atmosphere athletes of all persuasion come together raising large sums of money for good causes. www.twilightchallenge.co.uk/ Walk, jog, cycle, infancy dress if you wish, it's an evening that provides a great atmosphere, why not think about participating? Another example of how the Airport and the local community form a great partnership.
Some memories of Air Day 2023. A fantastic day under fantastic skies...
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Post by PB on Jan 21, 2024 7:20:27 GMT
"Photo of the Day" 21/01/24Plus 7C in the great outdoors at 06.00. So much 'energy' in our atmosphere, that's a shift of 15C from the lows of recent days - imagine the energy necessary to bring about such rapid changes - and it's free!
Energy is one part of the equation wherein flight is possible, fighting it's old opponent 'drag' be it with propellers or jet propulsion... Throughout the years of manned flight there has been constant endeavour to fly longer, faster, and if possible more economically. Take the Atlantic, the power house from which much of our weather is energised, we jump aboard one of today's twin engined wonders and assume we'll be in the USA in reasonable comfort and maybe don't give much thought to man's efforts to reach this point? Crossing the 'pond' with a twin jet is the norm, engines of such proven reliability and aircraft that can fly for long periods on one, but all this has come from endlessly pushing the boundaries of what is possible.
Look back to February,1951. What happened? Another boundary crossed as an RAF English Electric Canberra made the first unrefuelled jet crossing of the Atlantic. Unremarkable today, perhaps, but I wonder if the pioneers of flight realised what huge doors they were opening as they stretched the envelope of possibilities to ever greater ambitions?A good excuse to air one of the Canberras at Blackbushe memories! Front line nuclear capable Canberras were seen at Blackbushe quite often, one could sit on the side of the A30, legs dangling over the ditch that separated the road from the 'no-go'area beyond - with a Canberra resting just a few feet away!Don't forget the public meeting at the Ely on Tuesday evening!! Just by being here you will help the Blackbushe cause.. Starts 19.00, Ely Hotel just east of Blackbushe on the A30..The Ely, London Road, Blackwater, Camberley, GU17 9LJ.
You'll see and hear more on the future plans for Blackbushe, Councillors will have the opportunity to ask questions relating to the Airport's plans for the future Land Exchange. The Airport has made huge investments into its plans and hopes, your attendance alone will be confirmation as to public interest in the future and what should result in the south's most well equipped, environmentally friendly, geographically perfectly placed General Aviation airport. See you there?
PB
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Post by PB on Jan 22, 2024 11:30:24 GMT
"Photo of the Day" 22/01/24Sometimes life can be a bit perverse, today is one of those days.."POTD" had to take a back seat, hopefully tomorrow will see normal service?A memory of sunnier times...PB
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Post by PB on Jan 23, 2024 7:35:18 GMT
"Photo of the Day" 23/01/24Greetings to all the Blackbushe 'faithfuls' wherever you may be - we're a global community focused on an airfield that's not vast in size but generous in its varied history, rich in potential, and blessed by the widespread support shown by the 'faithfuls' who in their varied ways are an essential ingredient in the mix that will see Blackbushe Airport go metaphorically from the 'ugly duckling' to becoming the long awaited 'white swan'... OK, so I've been watching 'Traitors' on the BBC too, I rather like the thought of massing Blackbushe 'faithfuls!
Tonight offers the perfect chance for the Blackbushe 'faithfuls' to come together and show a solid arm of support for Blackbushe Airport. Hopefully you're aware of the 'Extraordinary' meeting of the Blackbushe Airport Consultative Committee tonight starting at 7pm at the Ely Hotel located just east of Blackbushe Airport on the A30. This is a very special public meeting for YOU to attend, Councillors will debate the planned Land Exchange that will in due course permit the long overdue development of the Airport's facilities, hangars, Terminal etc etc.. A strong showing of public support - a gathering of the 'faithfuls' - tonight will be of immense value in demonstrating the level of support that lies behind the Airport's objectives. The opportunity to ask questions will arise..
If we get a show of support equal to - or better - than the attendance at last week's "Big Props" talk at the Pathfinder we're going in the right direction. Please make every effort to attend tonight and fill the room with Blackbushe 'faithfuls'!!!!Our chance to give written support to the Land Exchange goes on until 16th February - BUT tonight we can make a direct showing of the strength of support by attending the Ely Hotel at 7pm. It is a unique opportunity - please support it!!Thank you... PB
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