PHOTO of the DAY...

[PB]

"Photo of the Day"
22/12/20


Spring bulbs are pointing their heads out of the ground, the shortest day is behind us, the AZ vaccine possibly just a week away from being given take-off clearance. It may not be the Christmas we were planning but considering the circumstances we can but look ahead with a positive point of view! Just think, Blackbushe might emerge an enterprise freed of the bonds of bureaucracy by the time those spring bulbs are nodding their colours in the breeze?

What is it about today's date that prompts aeroplanes to have made their first flight??

1930 Tupolev TB-3
1936 North American XB-21
1938 DH Flamingo
1939 Petlyakov VI-100
1941 Consolidated Sea Wolf
1941 Fairey Firefly
1945 Beech Bonanza
1949 North American F-86 Sabre
1964 Lockheed D-21 Drone
1964 Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird
1966 Northrop HL-10
1976 Ilyushin IL-86
1977 Antonov An-72
1979 Socata TB30 Epsilon
1998 Beechcraft Premier 1



Meanwhile, if we flick back through the years to 1944 once again and visit Royal Air Force Blackbushe in her post D-Day year, Christmas was shaping up with a number of new temporary residents. One hundred and sixteen Air Training Corps cadets arrived to spend Christmas on the station. Spending Christmas away from your family would have had its negatives no doubt, but spending the time on an operational bomber station at war with the varied traffic RAF Blackbushe handled must have been exciting compensation... I wonder how many still remember the experience? Sprightly ninety year olds..it would be wonderful to hear!

Referring to Rob Belcher's excellent book, "Blackbushe, London's Lost Airport 1942-1960" I note that two days ago, in 1944, the resident Mosquito squadrons moved their Christmas party forward to the 20th December for 'operational reasons'... The lunch for officers consisted of roast goose followed by an evening concert given by "The Airscrews" a Canadian concert party. The squadrons were made operational on Christmas Eve but the climate of the day dumped heavy snow followed by fog.




It always tempting to taste the future... Your Blackbushe Forum recently carried a report on Faradair Aerospace's advancing plans and support for their Hybrid-Electric Utility aircraft. Images of futuristic Blackbushe operating some form of air links for passengers or freight with these very quiet ultra clean ultra good neighbour flying machines comes to mind? No harm in dreaming, it's what's given us our world of aviation so far! A link to the report >> blackbusheairport.proboards.com/post/14864





Ooops, there goes another dream!! In reverse perhaps, but how good it would have been to see some of Blackbushe's missing east end restored for the sake of safety, common sense, and appearances? It would also profit the local economy, but they had their chances and chucked them away.




Nonetheless, it's amazing and miraculous that despite local politics Blackbushe Airport no longer just survives, she is expanding her numbers of resident aeroplanes and ready for the next round in the land's highest Courts to stake her claim for justice and the right to become a truly viable General Aviation centre.

Here endeth today's epistle..

PB

[PB]

"Photo of the Day"
23/12/20

Yesterday your scribe ventured forth to the Bushe Cafe, a somewhat empty Bushe Cafe, to partake of refreshment with the famed wordsmith of Blackbushe the Mr Robert Belcher. Cups of tea and goodwill were exchanged perhaps for the last time before this usually well frequented watering hole undergoes a transformation that will be revealed in the year 2021.. A joy indeed to catch up with Rob whilst exchanging seasonal greetings amid aviators some of whom I'd not seen since the spring. Life goes on, we just need to shed our Tiers and get back to normal. Normal? Almost hard to recall what it was like to go forth maskless, shaking hands with fellow humans, and daring to breath in a crowded room. It'll come, just as much as the spring bulbs have grown a couple more mms since this time yesterday..

Last night, having surfaced from the dreaded TV narcosis feeling cheated of my planned evening I took to You Tube and played a composition of brief extracts from 1960's music. Extraordinary how a musical journey can rekindle memories of a past decade, the 1960's holding many dear and precious recollections that flew back with those sounds of the time.. Blackbushe, Three Counties Aero Club and so many 'social' nights, wonderful friends no longer with us, a special lady friend, parties, the old Minis I drove and the 'minis' of fashion, the arctic winter of 62/63, so much flew back through the sounds of The Stones, Manfred Mann, Sonny & Cher, Procol Harem, The Beach Boys, some outfit called The Beatles, and so on and so forth.

Sixties people spot!!

Quite amazing how music recaptures "times", trouble is getting back to sleep afterwards..........




Magical, mystical days of the sixties. Three Counties Aero Club show pulled in a large good crowd and some fabulous aeroplanes to the Airport that should have died..but didn't!




Fun and flour bombing, your scribe about to drop his Mk1 McDougalls weapon on the target - aboard the beloved G-ARGB - one of our fabulous Mk 6 Austers. Ahh, just memories but seems like yesterday.




More magic, October 1962, the Queen Air came from Short Brothers for the"Great Re-opening Air Show". What a beautiful sound as she gave the airfield her salute! Could not believe that Blackbushe was indeed alive again, pure magic!




Another love of the past, G-ANIS, Three Counties Mk5 Auster with such a gentle sounding Lycoming up front!




The Army have long supported Blackbushe since the 1960 closure... At one stage consideration was given to the Army taking the Airport over, but finances of the day prevented such a move.. With Sandhurst and Aldershot being so close Army movements were quite frequent, the AAC pilots becoming 'regulars' as Beavers, AOP's and choppers dropped in to pick up or drop off the upper ranks...



One can wallow in nostalgia all day unless I nod off again... Whichever Tier you're in POTD wishes you a good day, stay safe..please!

PB

[PB]

"Photo of the Day"
Christmas Eve 2020"


If you travel along the A30 heading west as you pass Blackbushe Airport you will reach an ancient mile stone on your left, although probably lost to view amid nature's relentless need to take over.. Today, Christmas Eve, is another mile stone. Together we've experience the rough end of Mother Nature's capabilities, a global pandemic the consequences of which we are all too well aware, while from the Airport's point of view we've endured the endless consequence of bureaucratic intransigence with February's High Court ruling leading to another year within which Blackbushe has endured the consequence of having her arms tied behind her back while simultaneously facing the losses that enforced closure of the airfield have presented.

Tier 4 will for an indefinite period affect Airport operations from Boxing Day. However, we must all be thankful that Blackbushe's 'masters' have every intention of taking their fight for Blackbushe to the end we all wish for, this coming February we see another chance for the long fought for victory as Blackbushe Airport steps into the Court of Appeal in hopes of overriding the unwarranted efforts of local politicians. 2021 will see enhancements at the airfield regardless of Judicial considerations.

Throughout this year, providing an unbroken daily service throughout the pandemic, The Forum and "Photo of the Day" have spent all their early mornings striving to bring those who wish to read them words plus images pertaining to Blackbushe and aspects of aviation. "POTD" has enjoyed over 126,000 visits during the time elapsed since the pandemic's agents first dared to venture into our airspace and for that the entire editorial crew are happy to give you all a round of applause for your loyalty and interest. Speaking on behalf of the Editorial crew I can but say "Thank you" for sticking with us with especial "Thanks" to our members who provide 'comments' and the loyal few who offer regular "likes", and to the Airport Management for their period progress reports and assistance.

OK, moving on.... The Forum continues to take an active interest in the scientific research going into "tomorrow's aviation". There is no doubt that as Blackbushe moves into the coming "green age" as our tiny islands strive to become 'carbon free' life at airfields such as Blackbushe will reflect the changes. Autonomous flight, new forms of propulsion, dramatic new aerodynamic shapes and layouts, quieter and ever better neighbours. Yesterday, the Forum carried a report you might find of interest as Airbus venture into 'the future'... Here's a link to our report >> blackbusheairport.proboards.com/post/14874

During this year we've saluted the ever important past, life at Blackbushe during the months after D-Day has been reflected quite regularly this year. Today offers the chance for further post D-Day considerations. Today, Christmas Eve, 1944, the airfield's capability and convenience was made quite clear. By this time in 1944 transport aircraft, primarily Dakotas, were part of the daily scene carrying supplies to the front while returning with endless numbers of our brave boys injured in the bloody European conflict. On this day, Christmas Eve 1944, twenty one Dakotas arrived between 11.15 and 12.00 despite low cloud and poor visibility... Blackbushe does not give up easily!

Tomorrow, Christmas Day 1944, festivities at the airfield were enjoyed by 1,200 airmen and airwomen. A great success, dinner was served to the other ranks by officers, Warrant Officers and NCOs in the traditional manner. Christmas night a very successful 'all ranks' dance was enjoyed by all who attended.

If we should walk across acres of Blackbushe tomorrow one wonders if we lift an ear to the breeze we might just hear the distant sounds of wartime good cheer? The airfield was closed on Christmas Day, 1944, snow having dumped itself with perfect timing! The Christmas Day scene in 1944 as the aerial weapons of war sat silent and snow covered must have been quite some picture as the enduring 'spirit' of Blackbushe airfield found its feet. This year, and next, that Blackbushe spirit will continue the fight for its own freedom and justice...




"Doug's Dakotas".. a scene perhaps typical at RAF Blackbushe around Christmas 1944 as USAAF and RAF Daks flew endless sorties supplying the front and bringing our injured home..



The Blackbushe story endures and continues into the future, but for now speaking for the "entire POTD Editorial Team" gathered over the keyboard this morning may I wish each and every one of our guests and visitors a simple wish? Not just a wish for the Merriest of Christmases this year but also for the best of health as we move into the New Year and the challenges it is bound to bring...Let us hope that this time next year we are all able to look back on this year as a diminishing nightmare as the light at the end of the tunnel fully lights our days. I know this Christmas will be incredibly hard for so many, sad tears will flow for those no longer able to be with us, but the human spirit is strong and enduring and the dark days will also see light once again.

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!!


POTD might take tomorrow off!! If that's OK?

PB

[PB]

"Photo of the Day"
26/12/20


You guys, POTD takes a day off but still had a great crop of visitors over Christmas Day! The Forum gained a new Member too! I hope you all had a truly Happy Christmas, although I know for some that will have been difficult, very difficut. The weather at least was kind to us, from the bluster and down pours of recent times Christmas Day emerged cold , crisp and frosty round the edges with perfect blue skies over the south of England... Perfect! A somewhat quieter Christmas at 'POTD Towers' than ever before due to enforced Tier separations, hopefully something that'll be fixed this time next year?

The best news of recent must be the eleventh hour Brexit Agreement? Although the details are yet to be broadcast after the fun essential reading of 1,000 plus pages of details for those who have to vote on it the bottom line is that stability and confidence in the European market place should be restored... More will be known in due course, but one thing that must come from Government must surely be an increased emphasis - a dictate even - on the need for British General Aviation runways to be protected at all cost, including leaning on local government to protect business aviation assets for which they may have jurisdiction.. Funnily enough, Hampshire County Council comes to mind? Biggin Hill is pressing ahead with significant enhancements, I quote ..

"London Biggin Hill Airport is pressing ahead with long-planned developments in the new year, undeterred by a year of extensive disruption from the Covid-19 pandemic.

While overall business aviation traffic has been down across the UK, the privately-owned airport said it has maintained and even expanded market share by offering flexibility for operators through services such as its new on-site Covid test facility for passengers and aircrew. Along with Farnborough Airport, it has accounted for the bulk of the traffic heading in and out of the UK capital.

In March, the airport expects to break ground on a new four-star hotel, as well as a new terminal building and an air traffic control tower. The 54-room hotel will include a restaurant, lounge, and gym.

Meanwhile, construction work is continuing to build Bombardier’s new 250,000-sq-ft service center. When it opens in the first quarter of 2022, it will be able to accommodate up to 14 of the Canadian manufacturer’s large-cabin Global 7500s. According to Biggin Hill Airport head of marketing Andy Patsalides, the building’s core structural steelwork and cantilever roof are now complete.

The airport is also poised to receive approval for a new instrument approach for Runway 3, which will add this capability at both ends of its main runway. The management team estimates that this step alone could increase traffic by around 10 percent"[/i].


Now that the Brexit door is opening with positive light emerging the time is coming (has come) when Blackbushe needs the most careful scrutiny as the south-east's best placed and affordable General Aviation centre. In an admirable business catchment area, environmentally unbeatable with superb surface connections and London less than an hour by Motorway and trunk routes (no winding back lanes to negotiate) Blackbushe presents the perfect affordable user friendly option for smaller business jets and commuter aircraft to conduct their business, they ARE the affordable, flexible link to business beyond the Channel. It is totally utterly obvious, has been for decades, but NOW is the time for recognition from high places as to the perfect door to Europe that General Aviation airfields are. The Government appear reluctant to confirm their view on the priority of protecting airfields under new planning regulations, but now is the time for them to awaken, smell the coffee blowing from across the Channel and dictate that airfields with all the plus points such as Blackbushe are given encouragement and support and protection from the likes of Hampshire County Council whose shameful and woeful behaviour toward Blackbushe should be condemned to the nth degree.




Blue skies of 2021 beckon....



Wishing each and everyone continued peace over the festive holidays...catch up again soon!!

PB

[PB]

"Photo of the Day"
27/12/20


Wow, what a night it was, it really was!... words borrowed appropriately enough from the 1975 Four Seasons' song, "Oh what a night". The weather here is perhaps jumping between seasons temperature wise but last night's wind, an unpleasant subject at best, might be looked upon as a meteorological blowing away of the year to forget, 2020...

Despite the inevitable sounds from parties, media and political, who always objected to Brexit and publicly proclaim it to be a bad deal - without actually seeing the detail - Great Britain is on the door steps to a massive free trade deal unlike any before. British business may look forward to a brighter global future! The devil will be in the detail, no doubt, but we now have a firm heading on the compass to which we must hope all will agree to travel with prosperity ahead? Aviation can now see the way ahead, the golden chance for business aviation to provide a flexible and affordable powerdrive into the European market place from airfields such as Blackbushe. The first free trade agreement the EU has agreed based on zero tariffs and zero quotas. A nation who can once again control its destiny. The building material to construct a better future IS in our hands, let's hope we use it skillfully? Time will tell... It'll never please everyone, nothing ever does! London Stock Market investors are expecting a £145 billion boost to follow the Brexit signing... But, as said yesterday amid the POTD paragraphs, it is essential that the Government are totally and immediately proactive in acting to recognise and support the value of runways for business across the nation.

The second and just as vital move to 2021 and the new free world is the vaccine. This needle of delight from the Pfizer jab could very soon be joined by the Oxford/AZ version with a target of 15million jabs given to perhaps bring about an end to our Tiers/Lockdowns and frustration. Apparently 15 million shots will be enough to put an end to draconian restrictions...perhaps by the end of February 2021? The road ahead is looking brighter, let us hope beyond hope that sense and realism take control of the Blackbushe Airport situation and judgement after February's Court of Appeal session allows the airfield to fully take the road to better times that lie ahead. Six decades of local bureaucratic indifference and sabotaging of Hampshire's most potential filled airfield is a disgrace to the meaning of democracy. Try asking the County Council why they are so indifferent to Blackbushe Airport's survival...and if you do and IF you were to get a response please feel free to share it with us!!

Now moving on to 'other business'....

DID YOU KNOW that on this day, 27th December, 1944, Royal Air Force Blackbushe was the ONLY airfield open in the whole of the UK? No? Well, you do now........... Five Dakotas made it in returning injured soldiers back home. Seventy seriously wounded and thirty walking wounded. A fleet of 23 waiting ambulances took them to awaiting hospital care.





Whatever the future has in store for this most historic and valuable runway, all hopes rest on the fair and reasonable use of its assets being granted. Hard to miss how BCA have 'taken over' the Common?




This sign appeared on a local Facebook group recently. Considering how BCA have contravened Common Land law, and without comment from local bureaucracy, sprawled themselves across many acres of Blackbushe's Common Land, it's a bit rich asking their drivers to accede to such a request?


Have a fun Sunday!

PB

[PB]

"Photo of the Day"
28/12/20


Looking back to December 1944 there is some form of analogy with the same time of year in 2020. In '44 the enemy was no longer certain of winning the day as the war in Europe was turning. The Allies had the formula for eventual victory, akin to humanity's current battle against Covid-19? The was is yet to be fought but victory lies ahead! Blackbushe has played her role in 2020 by providing an influenza vaccine centre supporting the NHS during times where all assistance is vital in the Covid War. In 1944 Blackbushe played a vital part supporting the action across the Channel. In 1944 Victory was still some way off, in 2020 victory over today's unwelcome viral intruder looks like being more imminent... Nature may well have sown the seeds of a pandemic across the planet, but happily she also gave humanity the brains to tackle it..

TODAY may well be the day the Oxford vaccine receives its final approval, we're all in the war against Covid one way or another..the campaign will take-off with a avengeance and "normal" will return as 2021 progresses? It could be a year of such contrast to this one, and we must hope beyond hope that Blackbushe also emerges victorious from her next legal battle now as soon as February! What a year 2021 could be..

Looking back again at what's in the history books of aviation, this day in 1926 was of note. Imperial Airways launched their England to India passenger and air mail service.. de Havilland DH.66 Hercules G-EBMX City of Delhi left Croydon for a survey flight to India. The flight reached Karachi on 6 January 1927 and Delhi on 8 January 1927. How the world has changed, in less than a standard working day at FL350, or thereabouts, a meal and a few drinks and the magic aromas of India are waiting for your arrival. Nothing compares to leaving your aircraft behind at Delhi at five in the morning. Blood red sun already stains the overhanging misty dust laden atmosphere, it's hot, shitehawks already taken to the wing with their envied aerodynamics, the air alive with the aroma of this exciting land. Just the red tape of Customs to transit before a crew bus or taxi pops you off to the hotel. Thank God for memories.

Some memories from Blackbushe created at some point since 1960..




An Arnold Sea Fury and BCA's flag waving Aztec..Some while before they acquired the key to the Blackbushe door..




The Guv'ner and his Spit'.....




Founded at Blackbushe, but moved to Heathrow, an Eagle "Brit" completes another sortie on LHR's concrete..




For those who forget what it looks like, or missed the spectacle, this what it looks like when you build permanent hangars on Blackbushe's precious soil..




So many friends, none forgotten...Dear Reg at work in the 'temporary' Tower. How he would envy the current Tower on the Terminal.




Two successes ..The delightful Partenavia P.68 and new hangars at Blackbushe..




Such transport of delight...A venerable DH Moth Minor ascends from Blackbushe during on of our early fly-ins. Spectators in the now discontinued northern car park get a free view..




Lastly, a touch of magic. The pure joy of seeing Blackbushe enjoy a worthy addition to her infrastructure, I wonder if Reg was looking down with envious eyes?. Maybe next year another taste of such joy?

PB

[PB]

"Photo of the Day"
29/12/20


For reasons unknown I awoke this morning with the words, "All the World's a Stage, and all its people merely players" across my mind...Mixed with fragments of the night's dreams wherein some of life's 'moments' had acted out in strange and unfamiliar versions of the once familiar. Attempts to rationalise the night's offerings are seemingly pointless, but nocturnal revelations of the future would be of more value were they believable - or available. No doubt the world's a stage at present, a stage wherein we are all cast our parts to play in the global Corona crisis. Whoever wrote the script seems to have played on irony, perhaps borrowed from that King of Irony, William Shakespeare? The global disease having wreaked its horrors wherever it has wandered decides to mutate into a new version whose bite now sinks into its victims more easily and effectively just as hope was on the horizon with vaccines that in time will see the good guys win... the world awaits while we are all its players!

Apart from the obvious desires of self preservation, without doubt all who value Blackbushe Airport must be wondering as to the result that will be forthcoming from February's Court of Appeal dates when the good guys meet the dastardly invaders who seek to destroy the airfield in another round of Judicial fever.. In less than two months we could be heading for the promised land - the new Blackbushe? Feeling totally helpless one can do little more than sit, wait and hope. WE all know what the verdict should be!




The stage is set for Blackbushe's future to be played out, a willing audience awaiting come February and maybe the last act of a drama now playing for six decades?




One side of the stage bureaucratic wilderness and abandon, the other hope, good faith and opportunity. Sorry about the picture, but you get the idea!




All riding on the back of the ghosts of yesterday, a magnificent airport that gave backbone to the growing strength of our nation's emergent independent airlines.



Let us hope the final act of the Blackbushe drama will soon be played and it'll be our side of the theatre that applauds the loudest?

PB

[PB]

"Photo of the Day"
30/12/20

2020, just one day to go.

Today, however, POTD turns the clock back to 1952 and an event that lies close to the heart of your scribe and many others. Six years old attending the Farnborough Air Show with Mum and Dad and standing at the front of the many spectators. Frozen in my memory is the DH110 breaking up and falling to the ground while the two engines continued their travels until landing amid the crowd close to where we were standing. Death and injury came in an instant, not a sight best for young eyes.

Today, funds are being looked for to finance a memorial to the victims by FAST, the Farnborough Air Sciences Trust. You may have seen in our "General Non Blackbushe Discussion" section a request from Paul regarding the fund raising activity necessary for the assembly of the memorial that will be located at the FAST Museum. If not, this is it.. blackbusheairport.proboards.com/post/14899



"Hi all

My father along with the F.A.S.T museum are trying to raise funds to build a memorial to those who were killed in the 1952 aircrash at Farnborough airshow. Everything is in place to build this and it will be placed at the museum in Farnborough and will consist of 31 bricks, each one inscribed with the names of the victims, all that is needed is money to build the memorial , which is £620, £20 per brick, i know things are tough for everyone at the moment but it would be nice to raise the necessary money to make this happen, i have included a link to the go fund me page, and have have spoken to Peter to get his blessing to post this.

Thanks for your time and best wishes to you all

Paul"

gofund.me/b364903f









It goes without saying that our Forum is pleased to assist in helping this excellent cause, and would ask our Members and guests to contribute via the gofund.me link provided if at all possible. A subject close to home having been fortunate to have just been missed by the DH110's engines arrival. If my good luck at such a time can do anything now it is to encourage your support of the FAST Memorial to remember those whose luck was not so good. On behalf of Paul and FAST "THANK YOU".





Farnborough Weeks' at Blackbushe became legendary from the early fifties as Farnborough visitors flocked in in ever increasing numbers. The apron with a few Farnborough guests lined up..



Farnborough Week, 1952, at Blackbushe provided a generous gathering of visiting aircraft. Many light aircraft including Monarch G-AFLW of Rolls Royce, she would be based at Blackbushe many years later your scribe helping with the restoration, Catalinas, Brigand, Buckmaster, Sea Fury, company hacks such as Dassault's Dakota, Freighters from Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, Flamant from French Air Force, and an RCAF Sabre to name a few.

Rich days in the aviation story of Blackbushe, overshadowed during the 1952 Air Show by Farnborough's accident. Your assistance with the FAST Memorial Fund will be greatly appreciated.

PB

[PB]

"Photo of the Day"
31/12/2020


The wheels of time have not lost their ambition, with it they take a year to forget, this time tomorrow 2021 will be with us, she may come in with a whisper, but when she leaves in twelve months time it'll be with a mighty roar - we hope! With 2020's passing tomorrow a new dawn of hope, life restored, and once again the rekindled hopes of Blackbushe seeing the new dawn she has awaited for too long...

This time last year POTD wound up it's daily mix of memories extolling the value of Blackbushe Airport to General Aviation and the hopes of what the forthcoming year had to offer. Little did we know.

2020 concludes with no lesser hopes that once again forthcoming Judicial exchanges will lay the golden egg from which the new Blackbushe may hatch. Less than two months now...





Amid its dark days, 2020 has left some memories. Long endless garden days soaking the hot sun under totally cloudless skies, skies that relayed an uncanny emptiness, no vapour trails, no aero engines of any kind, testament to the tragic undoing of the world's aviation activities and the thousands upon whom it depended and upon whom the aviation industry had relied. The empty skies told a terrible tale.



Throughout the year POTD has stepped back in time to recall life at RAF Blackbushe, as she now was known, in the months following D-Day in 1944. To finish the recall of '44, on this day 31st December two of our resident Mosquito squadrons engaged in their first operations from Blackbushe.. 605 and 418 Squadrons were despatched to strafe targets in the Ardennes. Their task was to disrupt communications, to bomb troop build-ups,and cause as much discomfort for the Germans as was possible. These operations were to support our troops and those of the Allied forces as they participated in the Battle of the Bulge. The "Bulge" was only about 20 miles in width, some five minutes Mosquito time, crews were very concerned as to the danger of hitting our own troops. Lack of Luftwaffe opposition reduced the chances of being shot down by our own side!! The "Bulge" was sealed in about three weeks, by mid January Hitler's last gamble had failed.. In 2021 POTD will continue with visits to 1945 Blackbushe ..

From a statistics point of view, RAF Blackbushe received 625 visiting aircraft during December, 1944. Of these, 352 had arrived from abroad ensuring the resident Customs Officer was not short of things to do..





As we travel into a new year, another new beginning. "Our" airfield in October, 1942. Shortly before her official opening, what a story was about to be written.. Note the gliders on the ground, part of RAE Farnborough's trials before "RAF Hartford Bridge" was officially opened.



At this point in time POTD sends her thanks to all who have followed her through a year of almost unbroken service - tech issues grounded us once or twice - and grateful thanks to all who have contributed with comments, photos, and aircraft movement updates.

A very Happy, Healthy and safe New Year to all who make the Blackbushe scene what it is, the enduring Blackbushe spirit rides with all of us as we continue our journey toward the time when the airfield is truly reborn. Could it be in 2021? Might be...

The last word this year goes to our "star" Member/Commentator 'Rocky14'..a soul who shares the passion!! Yesterday's 'Rocky14' comments...

"Looks like we will all be doing 'virtual' flying from 31st! For some reason Bristol is still in Tier 3. There may be implications should the restrictions continue 'til April. Fingers crossed, HCC may reconsider its pathetic attitude to EGLK, together with its lamentable neglect of the eastern end and consent to the encroachments from the north and south. There are matters of human suffering - not just Covid - that HCC should be addressing. Why waste money fighting anachronistic gobbledygook - ancient legalise nit picking - when it should be placing resources in the direction of far more demanding goals? HCC is wasting ratepayers' hard earned lucre. Why kick a 'golden egg' into touch? Its expenditure on lawyers for the upcoming, vexatious appeal, does not go to the Criminal Bar, which is very cheap, but to the highly lucrative commercial, land and property branch. Maybe HCC is under the whip which will come out in the wash, in due course, as they say!!!"



Perfect, Happy New Year everyone!!

PB

[PB]

"Photo of the Day"
01/01/21


Looks like we made it?? A very short night, but the escape from 2020 has been made... but what does 2021 have in store? 365 days from now we'll have the answers after twelve months of forging our independent destiny, hopefully smacking Covid 19 on the nose, and Blackbushe celebrating her freedom from the oppressive regime whose dark ambitions impress only a few..

A glance behind us to start the year...1st January, 1945, the year during which D-Day had taken place now behind us, and RAF Blackbushe throbbing to the sound of Merlins, many of them! 418 Squadron now had 22 Mosquito VIs on strength and 605 Squadron had a further 18 Mosquito VIs.




A misty, but peaceful, Blackbushe morning. Warbirds of Great Britain's resident Mosquito during their Blackbushe days in the 70/80s captures a moment in time from those long ago wartime days when the Mosquito and Blackbushe had a very close working partnership.



Enjoy New Year's Day, we can but hope it's the stepping stone to better times for us all and, of course, the one and only Blackbushe Airport...

PB