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Post by PB on Jan 24, 2024 8:56:53 GMT
"Photo of the Day" 24/01/24Last night, as well advertised in earlier POTDs, Blackbushe Airport's plans for the future were outlined at the Extraordinary meeting of the Blackbushe Airport Consultative Committee meeting at the Ely Hotel.
There's no doubt it was the best attended BACC meeting ever, the Meeting Room at the Ely was not full but nonetheless the numbers attending on a wet and windy January night were pleasing.All attendees were able to obtain a copy of the excellent "Vision document", a document that outlines not only the current benefits of Blackbushe but also the future 'vision' that is presented by the planned Land Exchange.As one of the few, if only, person in attendance who was also at public meetings held in the Yateley Village Hall back in 1961/2 to debate the future use of the Airport under private ownership, the atmosphere last night was one of overall positivity. I was around 15 when accompanying AVM Bennett and a number of the very early supporters who long ago were determined to keep Blackbushe alive and see it restored from the abomination left behind by demolition companies who feasted on the Airport's demise. It was hard to understand the logic behind such wanton destruction that reduced beautiful Blackbushe into hundreds of acres of desolation - taking so many businesses, jobs and livelihoods with it. That was the 1960s, the atmosphere was very far from positive, in fact certain people of Yateley screamed hysterically at the AVM and his associates whose ambition was to outline a positive future for the airfield site that otherwise would have ended as a glorified rubbish dump - or whatever it was that certain parties envisaged if all those acres became available were the AVM not able to proceed with his plans for flying's return. Those 1960s meetings were undignified to the extreme and although many years ago have left a dark place in my memory.
Last night was 100% different. No opposition, some questions were asked interested in the future plans, all were answered by Chris Gazzard who had by then completed his superb presentation - the plans were on the table for all to see/hear. A very reassuring evening for not only those who live in the region, but also for the operators based at Blackbushe who must be relieved that plans for the future security of the Airport have progressed to such an advanced stage...both future growth in local employment figures and enhanced support for the local economy may be looked forward to as and when the Airport plans unfurl. It is impossible to predict the future on a long-term basis but what is happening now with plans for the future if they are able to be fulfilled paint a most exciting future - one that for so long has been filled with doubt, despair, and exasperation.A revolution in new technology is dawning, one can see the modern well equipped Blackbushe playing her part...Plans for the return of a piece of Blackbushe's history may proceed as the Heritage Trust continue the restoration of their Viking assured of a roof over their heads during restoration.The small quiet end of the business jet market will find enhanced value using the future fully equipped Blackbushe..Modern highly advanced turboprops too..The resident flying schools may continue with their highly professional training programmes where tomorrow's professional flyers find their wings.History and the future embrace each other as Blackbushe Airport steps into her future - the airport for everyone..If it was not possible for you to attend last night, the presentation will be repeated on 31st January at 10.00 again at the Ely Hotel.
After six decades with a large question mark hovering over Blackbushe and her future, the plans now ready for fulfillment are an absolute breath of fresh air. It's tragic that the antagonists have caused so many years to pass, we now have to await the end of the public Consultation mentioned in POTD on numerous occasions, the Planning Inspector's decisions and possibly another Public Inquiry and then the final verdict. The case for Blackbushe as presented is rock solid, we just have to be patient for a few more months until that dreamed of day when turf is lifted and the new Blackbushe can arise...
PB
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Post by PB on Jan 25, 2024 7:34:50 GMT
"Photo of the Day" 25/01/24Judging by the numbers around 400 guests and a few members viewed yesterday's "POTD" the subject of which was the incredibly important steps currently being undertaken to secure Blackbushe as a leading General Aviation centre. Visions of the new Blackbushe that I trust were exciting and thought provoking? What are your thoughts on the plans for Blackbushe that are currently going through the due process of a public Consultation? You know my views, but it would be great to see some comments from some our many readers as to their views, opinions, hopes, and excitement regarding events that some of us have waited over six decades for. Comments department awaits here... blackbusheairport.proboards.com/thread/51/potd-comments?page=343
Meanwhile "POTD" continues to be delivered directly to you on a seven days a week basis. The Post Office have a different approach to 'frequency' with the proposal to update their mail delivery by a reduction to three deliveries per week. Recalling the days of my youth when the Postman - we could call him that without risking offense back then - would call twice a day in all weather everyday except Sunday. Christmas and the dear chap would be round more than twice, but then nobody had even dreamed of the internet, email, and the aspects good and bad that have stemmed from our age of all being 'online'... Hopefully, "POTD" will continue its journey a little while longer, another medical event today donating blood to further pin down some of my ongoing medical adventures.
One observation for you to find a solution to...The night before last, as you know, Blackbushe attracted a significant audience to see/hear the presentation whereby the future plans for Blackbushe were spelled clearly and concisely. Given the proposed Land Exchange the future of Blackbushe as an airfield will be assured for the coming years. But, my question is, why are no members of the younger generations present at either our talks at the Pathfinder or indeed the presentation of the future this week? There must be some with an interest in aviation and in particular their local airfield's prospects?
Moving on, no need to remind you that the incredibly important "Blackbushe Consultation" continues until 16 February. As most will know by now this is the opportunity for US to tell it how it is and relate to the Planning Inspectorate just how important Blackbushe Airport is, its potential for enhanced employment and support of the local economy.
Blackbushe remains the most perfectly situated 'natural airfield' geographically, environmentally, operationally, and so easily accessible with the M3 five minutes away and located on the London-Southampton major trunk road. Once again I would ask that all who read these pages to complete the online Consultation, it only takes a minute, and once done you hit "send" and you've done your bit for Blackbushe.
The Consultation awaits you here....go right down to the end for your submission form. www.blackbusheairport.co.uk/consultationDid you know that on this day in 1912 Henry "Hap" Arnold set the world altitude record? 4,764 feet... does not sound much today? I well recall my first climb to altitude, over six decades ago now, but in an Auster 6 around 1963 we climbed to 10,000ft. Fabulous doing such a climb on a gin clear evening, there was less of the airways structure overhead back then! But, the descent was a journey through hell, what must have been a sinus woke-up and I've never been more glad to be back solid ground. Soon cleared, and funnily enough it has never happened again on the thousands of descents that have followed...but quite painful at the time.Three Counties Auster 6 aircraft worked hard in the sixties, we had two plus an Auster V, Comanche 250, Piper Cubs, some PA-28s, a Terrier and a Prentice in those wonderful 1960s. Long behind now, but that spiral descent from 10,000' still easily recalled!!! An apron image from around 1963... All aircraft lived on the main apron, the entire airfield and all runways were in use hence the broad expanse of airfield visible. The local Parish council had done their worst and destroyed the majority of the superb apron - given witness by the broken tarmac on the lower right. Ahh, memories of days when life at Blackbushe was basic, the future was unclear, but the spirit and camaraderie was amazing. For some of us Blackbushe has been a gift beyond measure - and I'm still here to record it, and even remember it!!See you tomorrow...hopefully!
PB
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Post by PB on Jan 26, 2024 5:57:12 GMT
"Photo of the Day" 26/01/242024 is not yet four weeks old as the warning signs to the security of airfields in the south eastern area of England continues to wobble... Epping Forest District Council who own North Weald aerodrome have sold 52 acres for significant development by Google. The airfield will continue to operate, but constraints will no doubt be felt in its future operations?
Closer to home, Popham is under going a Public Consultation until 4th March. The plans to build 3,000 houses on the airfield will remove another airfield from the map.
Over at historic Old Sarum aerodrome a Grade II listed hangar self destructed under pressure from recent storm Isha. Reports indicate the structure was unsafe due to neglect, whatever the airfield owners ultimate ambitions may be for the airfield, it's saddening to see our aviation heritage crumble in such a fashion.
Blackbushe Airport, on the other hand, currently undergoes a Public Consultation until 16 February in support of a planned Land Exchange that will lead to a new and exciting future for the Airport that has for so long lacked hangars and other facilities and services essential for any airfield business to stand on its own two feet and be 'self sufficient'. Blackbushe has clear ambition to improve itself for the future unhindered by any suggestions of housing, or business parks!
Today the National Transport Trust will be unveiling their "Red Wheel" at Blackbushe. The Trust is the only national charity established to promote and encourage the preservation and restoration of Great Britain's transport heritage. The role Blackbushe played during the fifties as a leading public transport airport supporting the growth of our independent airlines, heading the advent of 'package' holidays, and providing a perfectly located home to numerous airlines is without doubt worthy of the award being bestowed this morning.It was not just home based airlines who depended on Blackbushe in the fifties, many aircraft arrived having been forced to divert due to fog at the airport today known as Heathrow. The Blackbushe Heritage Trust continually moves forward in its ambition to restore a Viking airliner at Blackbushe and uphold the Airport's historic past with a future 'visitor centre' whereby the unique Blackbushe story will unfold complete with an aeroplane typical of Blackbushe's days in the 'golden' fifties era..
PB
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Post by PB on Jan 27, 2024 7:12:00 GMT
"Photo of the Day" 27/01/24Sometimes out of the many trips made to Blackbushe there comes a day when that particular trip will be fixed securely in the brain's memory section, or what is left of it... Yesterday was one of such days. Memorable not just because of the chill wind that blew with gusto or the perfect blue skies that graced the heavens, but because Blackbushe enjoyed the unveiling ceremony of a well deserved and earned award.
The National Transport Trust is a unique charity whose aim is to promote our nation's unique and varied transport heritage. All who know even just a little of Blackbushe's eight decades of life know she played a pivotal role in the development of post-war civil aviation, especially the independent airlines who enjoyed the new opportunities of free skies accessed from our very well placed airport..
The ceremony was well attended by Trust members, the unveiling of the National Transport Trust's coveted "Red Wheel" was performed by the Lord-Lieutenant of Hampshire, assisted by an introduction by Chris Gazzard followed by a fifteen minute analysis of the Airport's eight decades of history delivered by the Chairman of the Blackbushe Heritage Trust..Moments after the unveiling, the Lord-Lieutenant of Hampshire admires Blackbushe's new Red Shield firmly in place on the Terminal Building for all to see..The newly placed "Red Wheel" will be an indelible reminder of the incredible benefits Blackbushe afforded the nation's air transport structure, the growth of passenger air travel in the UK, across Europe and around the world. Blackbushe Airport will always be remembered for her part in our nation's post-war growth in civil air transport.
The story continues....
....your chance to be a part of the ongoing story lies in completing the current public Consultation regarding future plans to improve the Airport's services and infrastructure.
www.blackbusheairport.co.uk/consultation
PB
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Post by PB on Jan 28, 2024 8:35:59 GMT
"Photo of the Day" 28/01/24Very brief today due operational circumstances including grandsons here for the weekend - and demanding flying lessons on Flight Simulator...
The news today is this.. Spitfires to be operational at Blackbushe!! No, not a time warp!! flyaspitfire.com/fly-a-spitfire-at-blackbushe-airport/ Once again Spitfires will depart these historic runways on sorties down to the south coast but this time for entirely peaceful purposes...
For anyone who was unable to attend the first Consultative Committee Meeting last week presenting the plans for Blackbushe Airport now undergoing a public Consultation, a second and similar presentation will be held at The Ely hotel just east of Blackbushe on the A30. Starting at 10.00 all are welcome, it will be held in the hotel's Meeting Room.Days to come....PB
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Post by PB on Jan 29, 2024 7:53:09 GMT
"Photo of the Day" 29/01/24A pleasant contrast with memories of freezing January days at Blackbushe is this morning's +10C at 07.00.... very pleasant, but the global implications may not be quite so pleasant? The media, the BBC in particular, have no hesitation in predicting doom and gloom meteorologically speaking. It does seem a while since one had to dig a way through overnight snow to the road, wipers fighting the ongoing blizzard, and then running the gauntlet on snow and ice packed roads. Or icicles hanging from the gutters the length of which gave the house a distinctly Arctic appearance. Or, getting to Blackbushe to remove snow from laden precious canvas covered wings and run-up engines to remind the oil of its intended duties... Happy recall of starting engines by prop-swinging (hopefully no other implications?) standing on ground as free of ice as could be managed... always safer when it was your turn in the cockpit, but we all survived fully intact!A favourite memory jerker from the sixties. Sunday, we would be huddled in the Blackbushe Aero Club room, ground floor in the Terminal, enjoying some heat before popping out to tend the frozen flock. A very small flock in those days..but big memories.The extreme west-end of Blackbushe Airport in 1963. Where Airport and Forestry Commission met in snow laden silence, the area now consumed - and lost - to BCA and their second hand car business. One wonders what the scene would be like today if Doug Arnold had not sold-out to BCA? I do know how quiet it was on days like this. The A30 was much less busy and you could not hear its traffic from this point point. There was nothing else around to make any sounds, the snow's sound insulation effect left you standing somewhere that was simply silent - really quite magical. Blackbushe today remains in a place where sounds area absorbed by surrounding forest, but snow seemingly has lost its frozen sting? Talking of precious canvas covered wings. The venerable DH Fox Moth resting at Blackbushe in the seventies, today marks no less than her 92nd birthday having first flown on this day in 1932.OK, back to reality, must prepare for today's heart assessment. The months roll by awaiting an NHS heart procedure where currently drugs control the old ticker's moods. One's heart sinks every time our Doctors walk out on strike...... I am determined to witness Blackbushe's new hangars go up!! Meanwhile planning procedures continue, there's an Air Day to look forward to - and hopefully grab some interesting aeroplanes - there's a Viking in the hangar that still needs a lot of care and attention, Blackbushe never fails to provide more moments to cherish. There will even be Spitfires operating this year!
PB
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Post by PB on Jan 30, 2024 7:11:20 GMT
"Photo of the Day" 30/01/24The evenings are noticeably offering extended daylight, not a lot, but with that and daffodils about to burst into bloom it feels as if winter might be losing its grip? I remember trudging home from school in deep snow in February 'some while' ago, winter's grip still has time to run... but with spring not too far away hopes for seeing Blackbushe sprouting new growth parade around the imagination, surely this time the Airport's endeavours to provide the basics of what a grown-up General Aviation airport should provide will be successful as we move through the Consultation followed by a Planning Inspector assignment, a possible Public Inquiry and then the decision. How long? It's that piece of string question, but hopefully not more than a year from now....
YOUR chance to get involved is open right now with the Public Consultation running until 16th February.. www.blackbusheairport.co.uk/consultation After going onto the Consultation pages and reading the contents you may proceed to the very end where the necessary documentation awaits completion... Very easy, just fill in the boxes and say what you wish about the Airport and hit "send". Job done.
Tomorrow morning (31 January) at 10.00 Chris Gazzard will again be presenting the Blackbushe plans at the Ely Hotel just east of Blackbushe on the A30. Pick-up a copy of the 'vision' document, hear what has to be said backed up by an excellent visual presentation of Blackbushe 'tomorrow'. If you missed this last week I suggest you make your way to the Ely tomorrow morning for the second 'performance'. You'll really get the picture by attending tomorrow at the Ely!On a more sombre note, friends of the late "Baz" Harris might like to know that his ashes are to be scattered on Blackbushe this morning. Meet at the foot of the Control Tower at 10.45 for this final act in the life of a man whose love and focus on Blackbushe was with him to the very end. His ashes will be scattered on the airfield at 11.00, those in attendance will be guided on the airside area to say a final "farewell" to "Baz". May he rest in peace on the airfield that meant so much to him.
PB
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Post by PB on Jan 31, 2024 7:29:19 GMT
"Photo of the Day" 31/01/24Yesterday was saddened by the scattering of ashes of one of the long term Blackbushe 'faithfuls', "Baz" Harris will now forever be on the airfield he loved, he now rests on Blackbushe's green and pleasant pastures. Being one of many who have dedicated so much of their living years to Blackbushe's journey it is very sad that he was taken from us at the point where the Airport's future is looking more promising than at any time in the past six decades, like many of us, he lived in hopes that Blackbushe would again be able to show her true worth.Journey's end. Surrounded by his Blackbushe friends we said "Farewell" to Baz as his ashes were scattered never to be parted from the airfield he loved. Thanks to Pete Vickery for capturing the moment.Today, another opportunity to attend a presentation on the plans for Blackbushe as and when the Land Exchange is complete. The venue is the Ely hotel just east of Blackbushe on the A30, starting at 10am please head for the Meeting Room. If you missed the first presentation last week you will find today's opportunity one very much worth taking!! Emphasis will be laid upon the importance of all in favour of the Land Exchange to complete their response to the current Consultation whereby we can all add our support. Whether you just enjoy watching the aeroplanes, frequent the Pathfinder Cafe, work or fly at the Airport, or simply feel that Blackbushe has suffered enough set-backs over the past sixty plus years and really must be given the chance to show what she can do regarding employment, the local economy, and releasing that locked-up potential that we know she has.
I know numerous "POTD" followers have completed their submissions to the Consultation but there is still room for more! Here it is... www.blackbusheairport.co.uk/consultation
You may email your submission to.. commonlandcasework@planninginspectorate.gov.uk
..but please copy any representations to.. consultation@blackbusheairport.co.uk
Do encourage friends, family et al to submit. It only need take a minute and you can simply deliver it by hitting "send" when you're done. Once a Planning Inspector has been assigned to the case we will have to go back to waiting a little longer, maybe six to twelve months to a Public Inquiry, and then maybe twelve months for the final decision.
Your input now is really of great importance... none of us wish to see Blackbushe Airport being unable to offer shelter for her resident aeroplanes, we do want to see some modern new buildings to replace the tired 'temporary' structures that house some of her residents. Yesterday, today, tomorrow...which ever direction you look the Blackbushe story always make highly interesting reading!!Yesterday, today, tomorrow... the Blackbushe Heritage Trust's Viking continues her journey to restoration, our diligent technical team have worked on through sub-zero temperatures, gales and monsoons - but that Viking will speak volumes regarding the Blackbushe heritage and the amazing story that has lead to today.Maybe see you at the Ely for 10.00 this morning??
PB
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Post by PB on Feb 1, 2024 7:36:43 GMT
"Photo of the Day" 01/02/24February! Made it!
Those who made it to to yesterday's Blackbushe Airport presentation at the Ely will have enjoyed another brilliant couple of hours as Chris Gazzard once again took the audience through the current journey the Airport is taking toward the sunlit uplands we have waited for for some 22,000 days. Chris and his team have taken the most extraordinary journey to reach the point where we are poised on seeing the 'new' Blackbushe emerge within a year or so from now..
Some audience interaction took place, but at no time was any just cause presented that suggested improving Blackbushe's 'product' was anything but beneficial for General Aviation, the local population, the environment, and employment opportunities...
Looking toward the nearer future, advances at the Blackbushe Heritage Trust will see the Viking's stub wings arrive from Austria today. They just could not be fitted on the transporters bringing the main components over last year so a special mission has been undertaken by Trustee Pat Marchant and his colleague Rich to the site from whence the Viking came to bring back the last vital piece. That's a lot of driving in a couple of days!! With the stub wings the engines, undercarriage, and main planes will all be able to come together and in due course rollout as a complete Viking airliner.
This weekend another first from the Blackbushe Heritage Trust, the long awaited shop will be opening!!! This Sunday the shop will be open from 10.00 until 14.00. A huge collection of aviation books await, models, and many other items. Located alongside the Viking's hangar, every penny you spend - as it were - goes directly to the Trust toward the Viking's rebuild and eventual emergence as a prime example of our aviation heritage.
Express delivery!! The stub wings prepare for the journey home...
If you have been impressed by the take-off performance of Blackbushe's jet operations, those Falcons were magic, give a thought to the pilot of a McDonnell Douglas F-15 Streak Eagle on this day, 1st February, in 1975. Somewhat modified, 3 minutes and 27 seconds after 'brakes-off' the aircraft climbed to 30,000m - 98,425 ft......Imagine!Performance at Blackbushe. A Vulcan gives its all for a steep climb during one of the 1970s Barnstormers air shows. We'll not see - or hear - the likes of it again, but at least Blackbushe is still operational!! Note the now long gone hangars at the west end, hopefully something far far better is in the offing - but not at the west end as the car auction business has spread itself there and across acres of Common Land.PB
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Post by PB on Feb 2, 2024 7:19:11 GMT
"Photo of the Day" 02/02/24February has matured through to her second day, pleasantly kind weather too - unless you live in the north of Scotland where you will almost certainly be blown into the middle of next week. Storm Ingunn is incoming. Hang onto yer kilt laddie..
2nd February means that time is reducing during which you can make a submission to the current Blackbushe Airport Consultation. I know, I've banged on about it plenty already, but some 300 pairs of eyes peruse these pages everyday. I would like to think that most who spend any time here are inclined to be in favour of Blackbushe as an airport and as a viable business to see her into the future. There are probably eyes reading these words right now who have not yet made that vital submission to the Consultation. If they're your eyes why not do it NOW. You've got until 16th February, but why delay?
Here it is, the Vision, www.blackbusheairport.co.uk/vision the future hopes for Blackbushe that will result in a superb modern General Aviation airport. A facility that will not only serve "GA" but also provide a facility that may be enjoyed by the local population, new "Pathfinder" with panoramic views, parking that will still give access to Yateley Common for doggie excursions, a new airport that will be fabulous on the eye - no more aged old cabins - an airport that will offer employment and support the local economy. I apologise for repeating the message, but that's how it is while some still find cause to object. It's hard to reason why objections should arise but the Consultation gives room for them too.
Here once again is the Consultation. www.blackbusheairport.co.uk/consultation
Make your way through it and you'll find the necessary form. It'll take two minutes, just fill in the boxes and tick the options as you feel applicable. If you simply watch the aeroplanes and pop into the Pathfinder there's a place for you too!!
This is a crucial step in Blackbushe's journey toward that new dawn, you can help by not just reading this, but by submitting the document with no more than a click on "send". Job done.
It's almost the weekend, make this the weekend you support Blackbushe, and if you've already done the deed you are a star - thank you. If not - why not?Can't promise this won't be repeated before 16 February!! The past meets the future. Blackbushe Heritage Trust are working wonders on the Viking restoration programme. The new Blackbushe will be blessed by this piece of her history, a piece that is an important part of our British aviation heritage, a Viking wearing colours very appropriate to the history of the aircraft and Blackbushe. The 'new' Blackbushe will reflect heavily on heritage, a centre where all are welcome to learn about the past and maybe encourage the young generations to consider a future in aviation.Come tomorrow and the rising of our new Blackbushe jobs will await, aircraft will enjoy engineering facilities on site in modern hangars that will please the eye, and please the users. The photo shows Eagle Vikings being serviced long ago, tomorrow's aeroplanes will be much smaller - the Blackbushe Heritage Trust's Viking will speak volumes of those earlier days.Now, if you haven't done it yet, you know where it is....Consultation. www.blackbusheairport.co.uk/consultation
PB
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