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Post by PB on May 6, 2021 6:52:52 GMT
"Photo of the Day"
06/05/21On the morning of 31 January, 2015, I tentatively pressed the 'send' button and the "Blackbushe 'One-stop' Forum" came to life. Just an idea whereby I felt this internet thing provided an opportunity to unite those who have any sentiment regarding Blackbushe Airport whether past, present, or indeed future. Somewhere to store images of her history, somewhere experiences could be exchanged, and the Airport's news kept up to date. "Photo of the Day" would be an outlet within which to share the collection of photos amassed over the years, and opinions freely exchanged. ProBoards provided the medium within which to carry the notion. I had already created a Blackbushe section on another Forum, but for reasons unknown my Blackbushe section was deleted as someone's toys were chucked out of the pram and my work vanished in a microsecond of unexplained peak.. Start again on your own! Six years later what I thought would last for perhaps six months still lives. Yesterday "POTD" received its 444,000th visit. Never dreamed it would reach more than perhaps a couple of hundred before fizzling out. Thanks must go to the loyal members who contribute or appreciate our daily bits and pieces, without them the machinery would have ground to a halt long ago I suspect...
Onward into another day. Looking at the Forum's "General Non Blackbushe" department you'll see last night carried a success story. Your link .. blackbusheairport.proboards.com/post/15649 The fabulous PC-12 has now been delivered to its 1800th customer! A great success, and an aeroplane perfectly suited to Blackbushe Airport. Happily, they type is seen here from time to time, hopefully the numbers will continue to increase as lockdowns end and some kind on normality finds the airways.
 A recent PC-12 visit to Blackbushe. Thanks to Paul and all our Member who kindly update the Forum with facts and photos of Blackbushe's visitors. The PC-24. Another Pilatus product suited to rough strip operations or airports with a runway like that at Blackbushe where, correct me if I'm wrong, the PC-24 is unique in being able to operate from here at Max AUW. Affordable Blackbushe and the PC-24 should become the best of friends.. A little different in size and sound output to Blackbushe's jet traffic of the 1950's, today's bizz jets are packed with technology undreamed of in those days when the Comet pioneered a British design onto the world's first international jet services.
Thanks for stopping by, here's to "POTD" reaching her half millionth visit in a few months time perhaps - thanks to YOU!!
PB
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Post by PB on May 7, 2021 6:35:45 GMT
"Photo of the Day"
07/05/21    The venerable Handley Page Hastings would find today's date significant. On this day in 1946 the sight and sound of the Hastings in flight would be recorded for the first time, the largest aircraft built for and flown by the RAF to date.
Apart from very frequent visits to Blackbushe by the type during its military career, the Hastings unmistakable shape would often be seen adjacent to the Airwork complex where they underwent conversion under Government contract.
Blackbushe is so crammed full of facts and figures from her past as they slowly sink into history, but that glorious past still confirms the value of an airfield where Blackbushe is so conveniently located. She may be a bit smaller than when the Hastings graced her runways, but the bones are still in great shape around which awaits the opportunity to create a General Aviation centre of supreme excellence. It's a sad observation, but 75% of this superb aviation facility's life has been spent under the bureaucratic thumb, blind indifference leading to nothing but lost opportunity - what should be a flag ship for British General Aviation has made the very best of what it can under the 'dark forces' of opposition. Representatives from the 'other side' who would seemingly prefer Blackbushe to become yet more over grown waste land have publicly referred to me as 'so negative' in my hopes to see Blackbushe thrive as an aviation asset to north-east Hampshire where employment, support for the local economy, and General Aviation would all prosper....
Do you have a point of view to share? It would be encouraging to hear a little more from 'out there'.... Why not drop into the new Pathfinder Cafe at the airfield, the airfield's latest facility, you're sure to find someone happy to discuss "Blackbushe" while you enjoy excellent refreshments and great views!!
PB
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Post by PB on May 8, 2021 7:16:48 GMT
"Photo of the Day"
08/05/21VE Day. Passing years may pale the significance of history's moments, but today marks the anniversary of the moment Germany formally surrendered unconditionally and the horror of World War Two in Europe came to an end.
At RAF Blackbushe the end of hostilities in Europe was received with relief and delight by all ranks. To mark this day dreamed of and prayed for for so long celebrations were organised at short notice. The victory dance was particularly well attended, perhaps encouraged by free beer and buffet that awaited! Suitable decorations were put up, the atmosphere was one of joyous disbelief, one can but imagine the relief following years of death and tragedy, rationing, air raids, and so many families split up by the needs of military service. Rationing alone changed life for everyone in the UK,the nation faced destruction of its cities by Luftwaffe action, while the threat of invasion hung like a noose over the nation's head. We know only too well how towns and villages and their inhabitants fared following Nazi invasion of other lands. It's tempting to make comparison with life in the UK prior to VE Day and life in the UK during the Covid scare. There is no comparison, both have been ghastly, but WW2 had claws ready to rip our nation to pieces. Both Covid and WW2 have shown what human determination to overcome adversity can achieve for the collective good. A moment in time. A 16 Squadron Spitfire joined Blackbushe Airport's 75th Anniversary celebrations in 2017....a poignant reminder of the Squadron's association with Blackbushe... A moment in time. A 16 Squadron Spitfire at Blackbushe and the Squadron's pilots during World War Two. Their duty was to photograph enemy occupied territory prior to campaigns such as D-Day to enable maximum intelligence and preparation. Unarmed and alone the light blue Spitfires and their pilots achieved results invaluable in the execution of our bid to destroy Nazi ambition.Wishing you a peaceful VE Day..
PB
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Post by PB on May 9, 2021 6:29:27 GMT
"Photo of the Day"
09/05/21Yesterday, seemingly unmentioned in the general news of the day, amid elections and the SNP's bid to break up the Union, VE Day passed with very little, if any, mention on the news channels. VE Day, a time we should never forget, a time when being 'woke' would have been the last of our worries... Our nation would in due course recover from the bloodiest conflict it had ever experienced. Death came to the military, it also came to the civilian population in terrible numbers, World War Two created our nation's worst and finest hours. Remembered by "POTD" yesterday, VE Day marked the historic moment when Europe's guns fell silent and the bombs stopped falling. Peace in Europe rediscovered on 8th May, 1945. Europe and the United Kingdom had Germany's signed surrender, while the war still raged on in the Far East. Today, 9th May, 1945 would see British aircraft carriers HMS Formidable and HMS Victorious struck by Japanese Kamikaze pilots. Both ships survived the war to be scrapped years after the conflict. On TV and the press,the United Kingdom seemed to have forgotten yesterday's significance? Anybody watching the programme late last night on the 'Yesterday' TV channel dedicated to VE Day could not have helped being sickened and appalled at the consequences of humanity at its lowest ebb. For more reasons than one we should never forget the reality of war.
Blackbushe stands as a reminder of the heroism that came forth to defeat the tyrant forces. Oddly, local political forces remain dogged in their efforts to prevent the airfield achieving its purpose as a source of employment, opportunity, and an outstanding General Aviation base. Interestingly, the TV programme mentioned in the previous paragraph described how fleeing Nazi forces in Europe destroyed valuable buildings and resources rather than leave them as any possible benefit to our allied forces. Power lines destroyed, all facilities cut off, gas, water, sewage and drainage systems all rendered useless by the fleeing German troops. The Terminal Building at Blackbushe experienced similar efforts in 1960/61. The building remained, but all facilities were dug up, destroyed, and vandalised by politics that wished never to see Blackbushe survive as an aerodrome again. AVM "Pathfinder" Bennett having acquired a large percentage of the old Airport now faced a new challenge following the vandalisation rendered by politicians of both national and local government. Blackbushe was remote and deliberately cut off, reconnecting her to the world proved not impossible but a lengthy and costly operation.
Happily, today Blackbushe is a valuable and busy airfield supporting General Aviation.
While we await common sense to prevail and Blackbushe able to grow and mature into the fully equipped GA airfield denied for the past sixty years, today looks like being a pleasant day compared to the meteorological ravages of yesterday. An excellent chance to pop into the Airport's new "Pathfinder Cafe" now open seven days a week!! The mouth watering breakfast bap, "The Works"...at the "Pathfinder Cafe" Hampshire's only cafe where you can eat, drink, and watch aeroplanes pass by at close quarters.. The "Pathfinder " awaits you..Before you go, a couple of additions to the Forum yesterday for you to read.. This link updates on Netjets and their having placed an order for SST's, a fleet of supersonic business jets blackbusheairport.proboards.com/post/15668
...and this..., yet another eVTOL aircraft for the air taxi business. The future is shaping? blackbusheairport.proboards.com/post/15669
Enjoy Sunday, enjoy the Pathfinder Cafe, it carries a name of such significance to Blackbushe's past and survival - and our nation's fight for freedom.
PB
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Post by PB on May 10, 2021 8:11:29 GMT
"Photo of the Day"
10/05/21Life is a true gift, fortune dictates for how long we are able to enjoy its benefits, but as has often been said life offers just two guarantees. One is taxes, the other the 'epilogue'.
Our journey through life takes us to many places and we meet many people. Some of those people will stand out as key players during our life journey, either by their kindness, friendship or shared experiences. When those key players up and leave us for that final flight from Earth they leave vacant that special place we hold in our minds just for them. Once you've overcome the dark curtain of grief life's key players leave behind cherished memories of shared experiences, treasures that live on regardless!
Of recent, too many friends and 'key players' have taken the last flight. Today, "POTD" is dedicated to one of the best who left us recently. "Rex....".
I first met Rex Coates in 1961. Blackbushe had recently been acquired by AVM "Pathfinder" Bennett, the airfield was saved from total destruction but much needed to be done. As might be expected, a small body of people came together, people who shared a passion for the old airfield, people who realised it retained huge potential for aviation. One of those people was Rex, young, an aircraft engineer working for BEA, an out and out aviation person, very personable, and the owner of a tiny blue Fiat 500. Rex became a solid figure in the early Blackbushe scene - and throughout - doing all he could to assist in airfield matters and setting up the early Blackbushe Aero Club. I was fifteen and looked to Rex as a friend with whom one just clicked. Over the ensuing years Rex became very involved in the vintage aircraft scene, the PFA, including fly-ins and rallies at Blackbushe and other airfields. We shared many flights in assorted aeroplanes, spent many hours working on various events/projects, but now he has left us and those of us who knew him will surely remember with deep affection the man who lived for aeroplanes and flying..Rex Coates.
The following obituary was written by Rich Wald and published in the Light Aircraft Association magazine. It is published on our Forum with the consent of both Rich Wald and the Light Aircraft Association. My sincere thanks to Ted Gardner for making it possible...
 Extracted with kind permission from the Light Aircraft Association's magazine.. PB |
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Post by PB on May 11, 2021 7:07:35 GMT
"Photo of the Day"
11/05/21..and so we meet again, page 222 of "POTD" photos and considerations regarding Blackbushe and her six decade saga in search of common sense and that long hoped for "OK" toward providing some hangars to keep aeroplanes in. You have to admit it's an odd situation whereby a local bureaucracy is willing to sink thousands of pounds of public money into a legal battle to block the development of an outstanding asset that would by now be providing many more jobs and pumping cash into the local economy. It's about as weird as Alice's adventures... Except this is playing with real people and their lives.
Over the years passed since launching the Forum inevitably caustic responses have come from parties who support turning Blackbushe into a non productive wateland. A wasteland as has happened to the Airport's east end owned by the authority currently blowing our money at the High Court and latterly the Court of Appeal to destroy its viability. There is no doubt Blackbushe Airport has a huge body of support from the general public and aviation sources, positive support far outweighing those opposed to the principle of flying and it becoming a fully fledged modern General Aviation hub; compare the open space options - a valuable airfield (by nature an open space) or the alternative of yet more overgrown wilderness. With vast area of 'wilderness' open spaces already available within which to commune with nature we're just looking at 115 acres of Airport open space within which to include protection for valuable aircraft and to create an aviation gem from this valuable asset that has now spent sixty years under the shameful antics of local bureaucracy.
Many who have shared the wish to see Blackbushe Airport regain her dignity have sadly passed on, never seeing their dream of Blackbushe's development realised. Rex Coates was one of those, I hope you found his obituary in yesterday's "POTD" of interest and moving?
Despite bureaucratic apathy toward the airfield's well being, it's far from being all bad news. She's ridden the pandemic and flying is building up again, in 2019 receiving AOPA's 'Aerodrome of the Year' award, visiting aircraft numbers are increasing as are fuel sales while happy days the new Pathfinder Cafe is open providing excellent refreshments and great views of the airfield. Soon to be open seven days a week, currently closed Monday until the end of May, the menu will be expanding and from 17th May we can eat inside following Boris's thumbs up to getting life more back to normal. Do try the Pathfinder Cafe, you'll find the friendliest crew and uniquely once eating inside is permitted you may enjoy seats as used aboard British Airways Boeing 747s.. The Pathfinder Cafe, the cafe with an aviation theme, named after the man who not only saved Blackbushe but also pioneered pre-war long distance navigation, formed the RAF's Pathfinder force, and post war was eminent in establishing independent commercial air transport in and from the United Kingdom. Air Vice Marshal Don "Pathfinder" Bennett....  YUM!!!Recently the Forum has been keeping an eye on the development of tomorrow's aviation, the latest eVTOL to emerge is reported on here, blackbusheairport.proboards.com/post/15669 It's tempting to wonder what tomorrow's users of Blackbushe may look like? Humanity appears programmed to leap to ever increasing technological wonders, don't rule anything out! ..and a moment from the past. 1960's Three Counties Aero Club Tri-Pacer with some of the old crew.. Left to right, the late Reg Venning (owner of long term resident Taylorcraft G-AHUG), Mike Tunicliffe, Peter Brown in more hairy times, Terry Jones, and the late Jack Smith. Just a moment in time, but the happiest of times....I think the photo captures the spirit of the age. For the record, we did not fly the Tri-Pacer 'five up'....Have a great day, make it even greater by stopping by at the "Pathfinder Cafe"......
PB
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Post by PB on May 12, 2021 7:25:04 GMT
"Photo of the Day"
12/05/21It's not unusual for Blackbushe's first time visitors, by air or any other means, to express surprise when they learn of the history that belongs to what was a wartime fighter/bomber station thence a peacetime commercial airport second only to what is now called Heathrow.
Little evidence is left of Blackbushe's 'glory days', there's a sign entitled "The Airlines of Blackbushe Airport" near the Terminal indicating her commercial air transport days, but of wartime apart from the very existence of the airfield there is none too much to show.
Numerous fighter and bomber squadrons were based at Blackbushe during the war, there was also the essential/crucial work completed by Blackbushe's Photo Reconnaissance squadron who produced very complete photo maps of enemy occupied territory enabling intelligent planning of events such as D-Day.
The aerial photograph can tell many a story. For example cameras aimed from aeroplanes flying in Blackbushe's peacetime airspace!!! This 'PR' view of Blackbushe's Terminal area was snapped from my trusty old camera in 1962 or '63. The above photo yields some points of interest. For example, back then all runways were in operation, you'll notice the 'Stop' lines at the holding point for runway 01, also the displaced threshold for landings on 01 to ensure suitable clearance was left between us and traffic on the A30.
Destruction was in progress. Yateley Parish Council had by this time fully destroyed the extent of runways 08/26 and 14/32 on their eastern end of the airfield, while on southern Blackbushe the job of excavating the myriad taxiways and parking bays was complete. The photo shows the mysterious Vigo Lane, a thin white line running north to south intersecting the runways from where they were excavated, onward across the apron and through the Terminal Building. Examination clearly shows the large percentage of apron that was eventually destroyed by the Council compared to what is left today, it also shows the two thirds of the Terminal that would later be demolished by Hampshire County Council. Vigo Lane, the dividing line that ran across the airfield demarking airfield side to council dug up side. Interestingly, once the council inflicted damage had been completed Vigo Lane was moved to where it is today, a service road skirting the old north eastern perimeter route... Considering the extensive use of public funds to excavate so much of Blackbushe's 'east end' the fact that the offending bureaucracies were offered very large sums of money by the Airport owners not to ruin the eastern apron and Terminal is one that provokes thought!! All such monies were refused....
The photo shows the mighty United States Navy hangar to the top of the picture and a little left of centre. On acquiring 365 acres of Blackbushe, AVM "Pathfinder" Bennett tried to acquire the US hangar but such a plan was rejected by the council. It too was torn down in due course and replaced by a business park...
Finally, the new Three Counties Aero Club premises are also visible. Three Counties Aero Club's premises eventually becoming "European Flyers'", Redair, Biggles Bistro, The Bushe Cafe, and Blackbushe Aviation. The building expanded slightly and today, of course, is home to on one side Blackbushe Aviation - a leading flying school - and on the other the magnificent all new "Pathfinder Cafe"... A little more up to date. Last Friday in fact... Some changes since the previous photo? Clearly seen is the "Pathfinder Cafe" and its greatly expanded outdoor dining and observation area with all seating/tables.
The main runway now sports the numeral 25, changed from the original "26" due to magnetic variation.
Top left the business park that replaced the US Navy hangar while the overgrowth that has consumed Blackbushe's eastern flank is hard to miss.
The fully refurbished Terminal stands proudly abeam the apron, sadly missing the two thirds cruelly destroyed by Hampshire County Council.... If you project the apron to the now ghostly trace of runway 14/32 you get some idea of just how large the main apron once was.
South of the A30 differences in foliage colours indicate where once taxiways and aircraft roamed..Huge thanks to Mike Biddulph for making the second photo possible..
Hopefully, you get the picture....
PB
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Post by PB on May 13, 2021 7:51:36 GMT
"Photo of the Day"
13/05/21May 13th. A bit of a grey start at 06.00 but at +10C beyond the office window suggest the seasons are perhaps moving the right way....
Over the past months "POTD" has occasionally tracked back in time to see what was at happening at Blackbushe on 'this day'. This year our focus has been on 1945, the time RAF Blackbushe was transitioning from fighter and bomber operations, from Fighter Command to Transport Command. In 1945, the 13th May fell on a Sunday, this was "National Thanksgiving Sunday". A large parade was held on the airfield with the Padre, Squadron Leader S W A Collins, taking the service. During the day parties of and Airmen and WAAF's representing the RAF attended services in Camberley and Yateley. No doubt somewhere there are photographs of these occasions recording the service personnel from RAF Blackbushe, unfortunately none have reached the "POTD" files as yet.... If you know of such and would be happy to share them, please do let us know!For today's photo offering, moments clutched from the skies of Blackbushe over the airfield's lifetime... In the beginning, Blackbushe's Genesis, 1942 prior to the new airebase being complete or officially opened.. Glider trials from RAE Farnborough lapped up the new runways and airspace. A Heyford tows what I believe is a Hotspur glider into Blackbushe air.. Blackbushe goes to war. 226 Squadron in action... Blackbushe at work. A resident Eagle Airways DC-6 on short final, another magnificent memory of unique and wonderful sounds - and days. 1960's showtime... One of the Red Arrows taking a close look at the disused eastern end of the airfield. Neil Williams and a one Merlin plus Spitfire, that unique combination and wonderful sound that speaks a thousand words.. 1970's warbird 'flying day'. Neil Williams and four Merlins.. Lancaster "Just Jane" as she is known today. Daily Telegraph/St Johns Air Display 1960's. RAF Transport Command take a close look at their old Blackbushe base...Barnstormers Air Show, late sixties/early seventies. The 'Cosmic Wind' blows across Blackbushe during the Daily Telegraph Air Show. 1977, the DC-8 showed her muscle during Blackbushe's Air Festival.. The sound of music? 1977, perhaps the last time the Bristol Hercules engines would be heard at Blackbushe as two Varsities flew a joint display at the Air Festival.. Airport owner of the time, Doug Arnold plays with his Brantly... We've certainly seen some variety in Blackbushe's airspace, one of the resident Ju-52's with all three turning and rattling.. "Farewell". Breitling's Super Constellation took time out to wave farewell to Blackbushe whilst positioning from Duxford to Farnborough in 2014. Who needs words? Blue skies of Blackbushe where some have soared and done a thousand things.. On this day the Memorial Flight saluted Aerobility and the opening of their new hangar.The skies of Blackbushe, long may they play the many and varied sounds of mankind in flight..
PB
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Post by PB on May 14, 2021 7:01:54 GMT
"Photo of the Day"
14/05/21Next week. if all remains as per the 'flight plan', life in England will take a significant step toward that thing that we now refer to as "normal". Hopefully.
Obviously the most notable response to Boris's 'green light' will be the ability to eat out, and by that eating out indoors rather than eating out out doors as has been the case of recent. Dining out under umbrellas with rain running down your neck tends to detract from the plated pleasure before you or your ability to remain 'good company'.
From next week Blackbushe's latest and greatest totally refurbished and reformed focal point, the Pathfinder Cafe, will open her doors and you may remain inside to eat, drink, enjoy the all new interior including all new seating and even the booth where Boeing 747 seats await your company. All this from Tuesday, remember the Pathfinder is closed on Mondays until the end of the month when full 7 days a week operation takes off.
 "Jumbo Jet" seats ready for business at Blackbushe Airport, and awaiting your custom! Photo courtesy of John Varndell.The mural painted by the late Tony Harold has been lovingly repaired after being 'damaged' by persons unknown. Tony produced this work of art in the early 1960's, I watched him at work, and it's been a treasure ever since. Focused on the early biplane days it features Three Counties Aero Club's Chief Flying Instructor Derek Johnson, "the bearded wonder"!! Dear Derek, he too passed on not too long ago. His loves included gliding, aerobatics, and the Goons. His impressions of Neddy Seagoon were legendary, the character created by Harry Secombe in BBC radio's classic "The Good Show".
Built in 1963 as the Three Counties Aero Club's HQ, the Pathfinder Cafe is the ultimate product in these premises. European Flyers, Biggles Bistro, and the Bushe Cafe have all been names associated with the building's past, but the newly formed and furnished "Pathfinder" is going to be the truly outstanding pinnacle!!
The name "Pathfinder Cafe" may give rise to questions as to its origins. No doubt "POTD" attendees are well versed with its association, but for those who are not a couple of pointers...
Air Vie Marshal Donald "Pathfinder" Bennett acquired the Blackbushe site, well 365 acres of if, shortly after the Airport was closed by the Government. He planned a total General Aviation center, but perhaps did not plan for the hostile, aggressive nature of certain locals and politicians toward the airfield or the vandalism and shameful runway nail spreading conducted. The fabulous Airport planned fell further and further behind as sixty years ago the legal fights with local politicians and their associates began. The legal war is still not done. Bennett acquired the name "Pathfinder" during World War Two when at just 32 years of age he was made an Air Vice Marshal and placed in charge of the RAF's 'Pathfinder Force'. A decisive and outstanding move toward bringing the last war to an end.
The Pathfinders indeed lead the way to accelerated peace. "Pathfinder Bennett" not only saved Blackbushe Airport, we have much to thank him for, the name "Pathfinder" will fly long into the future as a tribute to and recognition of the man without whom there would certainly be no Blackbushe Airport today.
AVM Bennett achieved many things in his lifetime. "POTD" will from time to time focus on some of them, but for now I think we've explained quite how the name "Pathfinder" is proudly carried by the Airport's excellent new cafe.
See you there!
PB
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Post by PB on May 15, 2021 8:58:12 GMT
"Photo of the Day"
15/05/21Akin to some supernatural book's darkest pages the Covid virus continues to taunt and tease, just when you thought it was safe to come outside the invisible peril regroups in a new form. This time we are better armed, scientifically better prepared, and ammunition wise better equipped. Covid cases in Blackbushe's Hart District today stand at just under thirty, a mere fraction of the figures reported three months ago.
The weather forecast does not add much cheer to the situation but no need to despair, from Monday we can pop into Blackbushe's "Pathfinder Cafe" and enjoy eating within the new premises. Click this link direct from the Blackbushe Airport website for the latest news from the "Pathfinder Cafe".. www.blackbusheairport.co.uk/cafeHappily "Photo of the Day" has delivered every day without a break throughout the pandemic (have you clicked on our wavelength every day?). We've collectively surged through a time that will be featured in the history books for many years to come. For now, we meet again on this rather grey looking Saturday where precipation is anticipated, no doubt ensuring every seat is grabbed on flights to Portugal from whence the green light of approval to travel currently shines..
Yesterday the Forum carried a report courtesy of UKGA.com of an aerodrome in England whereby a Labour councillor has had to make a humiliating public apology to the airfield owners after a long period of inaccurate statements on social media.. The story is at the end of this link, the airfield was not Blackbushe .... blackbusheairport.proboards.com/post/15701It's hard to believe having 'just recovered' from Blackbushe's 75th Anniversary that in 2022 she'll be reaching the grand age of 80. Eight decades of history, six of which have been spent under the shadow of local politicians and their hell bent efforts of bureaucratic power bending to suffocate the spirit of Blackbushe and destroy north-east Hampshire's golden egg of winged opportunity and employment. A moment in time. Blackbushe celebrating her 50th back in 1992, one of two Tucanos from RAF Cranwell that joined us for the weekend. I tried to gather examples of the new and the old for the 50th. Plenty of flags, aeroplanes new and old, and you've go an event! Some of the older generation. Sadly now the late Spencer Flack called me at home before the 50th and asked if we'd like his Mustang for the weekend. You can work out my reply. No costs either...Ahh, happy days indeed...wishing you a pleasant weekend..
PB
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