PHOTO of the DAY...

[PB]

"Photo of the Day"
05/11/22


With six decades of Blackbushe 'experiences' stored in the mysterious region between the port and starboard ears, there are times when like fizzing fireworks they're ready to whizz into a brief flash of days gone by before returning to cerebral region from whence they came..

On this rather grey and forecast to be wet 5th November, here are one or two scraped up from the grey stuff..




A grey Sunday in 1963 aboard a French registered Jodel. One flew with who and in whatever one could leave the ground in, the need to fly was this 17 year old's craving and if not satisfied by the end of the weekend, Monday would be a grouchy affair!


The above photo clearly shows how much of the precious Terminal was eventually destroyed by the powers within Hampshire County Council. From the caravan to the end of the building nearest the camera, all was flattened despite generous offers of cash to take over and save the structure. The caravan was the dwelling of Bill Freeman and his family, Bill was Airport Manager, the car park shows the usual almost empty handful of cars that was typical of the time. Back then one cycled the seven often uphill miles to the airfield without batting so much as an eye lid. Returning to the photo, you'll see that the Ministry of Transport & Civil Aviation's grass at this end of the apron is already showing the road to abandon as gorse and grass are already running wild. Three years had already elapsed since the Ministry moved out and left what hadn't been destroyed to the hands of nature.. The vastly proportioned apron was now 75% in the hands of the parish council as they saved up their pocket money to finance the removal of said assets.

Blackbushe 'south' on t'other side of the A30 had already been dug up by the estate to whom it belonged prior to wartime requisition. The side of the Terminal facing the A30 gives a slight impression of the dreadful mess left behind when the Government's forces of destruction had done their bit and rendered what was London's second airport totally unairworthy! The acres of dereliction and destruction left behind were shocking, a lot of effort was required to make something of what was left of Blackbushe Airport. Volunteers were a blessing, weekends and school holidays had a new purpose!




Robin Page-Blair provided some innovative flying machinery, gyrocopters and gliders forming some of his more unusual assets. Derek Johnson, CFI and Director Three Counties Aero Club would borrow a 'cooking' Tiger Moth from the Tiger Club and position it to Blackbushe for some aero-towing. Ahh, such fun... Reg Venning's Taylorcraft G-AHUG is caught in the photo, Reg and 'HUG' were early and long term Blackbushe characters!




The Desford was a somewhat more regular visitor during few years I working as the Airport's 'Operations Department'. Belonged to Kemps Aerial Surveys back then, Blackbushe was convenient fuel and cup of tea stop. I loved the shape and looks of the aircraft, a mini Hampden bomber to me...




Dear Mike Freeman, Manager Bill's son. Mike and I worked together on the many jobs that formed getting Blackbushe operational. Mike was lost to cancer just a few years later, but we had some great times working together on this desolate place called Blackbushe.




That's me! Back to Blackbushe overhead Portmouth going home to Blackbushe after one of our many group sorties to Sandown IoW.




The view from the Tower, just about the time we'd built the 'temporary' structure perched at the end of the Terminal. The view of Blackbushe 'east' back in '63 has matured a little since then. It's now junglefied somewhat..




Early residents 1963/64. Blackbushe 'east' still there, but out of bounds....the massive US Navy hangar still there, but out of bounds. 58 years later, the Airport has done amazing things by surviving!!




The Forum's current 'header' photo. Peter Clifford aviation brought a selection of aeroplanes for the new Blackbushe Aero Club to survey. Not quite what we were looking for, but they made an interesting array across the apron. The Terminal still had the Ministry of Transport & Civil Aviation signs on show! The small hut seen behind the Meta Sokol's rudder is the old MTCA Marshallers hut, once the domain of the chaps who kept the airliners in check, then a welcome refuge for the weekend volunteers when it rained in the early days as Blackbushe arose from the ashes...also where pilots booked in on the wonderful occasions when we had a visitor on the ground!


That's enough for today...

PB

[PB]

"Photo of the Day"
06/11/22

It's Sunday again, pitch black beyond the window but +12C out there is quite acceptable for the time of year! Firework night last night, my garden remained dark and silent, sadly the younger element of one's family are spread around the map somewhat, but it was great to see and hear the evidence of a fun evening close by as things flashed, exploded, and generally lit up a November night! Rockets don't seem so popular or maybe I just missed 'em? Brought back memories of when it was just my Dad and I. I was thirteen and we had a great firework evening. Life had been a bit tough around then, but firework night was a beacon in more ways than one! One of our rockets cost 10/-....50 Pence in modern parlance, and back then it was a fortune. The rocket was huge and required careful pre launch attention. The noise was impressive as it lifted serenely into the night sky, she soared into the night sky with great beauty until the ten shillings worth of fuel expired and we waited. A dull thud in our neighbours garden confirmed a return to Earth had been accomplished. Last night showed just how much you can still miss your parents, no matter how old you are... Elon Musk had not even been born when we launched our rocket to the stars!


Now, moving forwards, as you'll remember the Blackbushe Heritage Trust are working toward their goal of returning a Viking airliner to Blackbushe. The aeroplane will be an enduring salute to British aviation heritage for generations to come, and acknowledgment of Blackbushe's role in post war airline growth.

This can only be achieved with your help!!!!

This is our first year as a fully registered Charitable Incorporated Organisation whereby fund raising is a key element. Our first big £££££ raiser is the fantastic raffle



With super prizes!!!


Tickets available at the Pathfinder Cafe - DO make sure you've bought yours while stocks last - the prize draw will be on December 3rd!!



FIRST PRIZE a SIMULATOR SESSION at HEATHROW on one of the world's most advanced simulators. Worth hundreds of pounds, yours for just a £3 raffle ticket!!



SECOND PRIZE no less than a choice of one of THREE FLIGHTS in a LIGHT AEROPLANE from BLACKBUSHE!!


THIRD PRIZE an excellent BHT VIKING FRAMED PRINT plus a Trust Baseball Cap!




FOURTH PRIZE - a £50 VOUCHER for use in the PATHFINDER CAFE!


Every ticket you buy will be a step closer to Blackbushe once again hosting a Viking on her hallowed turf, a step nearer you claiming one of our super prizes!!

You've just under a month to get your tickets, you can get them at the Pathfinder Cafe and why not enjoy some refreshment while you're here!!

Thank you!!

PB

[PB]

"Photo of the Day"
07/11/22

The hour approaches 06.00, another seemingly mild morning at +12C to ease the need to strike the flint and fire up the use of precious gas resources..

While 80 years ago Blackbushe, or RAF Hartford Bridge as she was originally known, was going through her initial processes of becoming fully operational and the sound of fighter engines arriving at their new base was no doubt anticipated by base personnel, aviation had gone through extraordinary developments to reach the sophistication of aeroplanes such as the Tomahawks and Mustangs that would be arriving in the coming weeks.

The advances in aviation - aerospace - technology since 1942 and 2022 are staggering, the wizardry that makes things tick, and think, is breathtaking! Humans are obviously programmed to reach for the stars?

Going back in time is fascinating to me, take today 7th November and what she is remembered for in aviation activity..

1849. The first time a warship made use of offensive aerial devices! The Austrian Navy launched unmanned balloons from the steamship 'Vulcano' in an attempt to bombard Venice. Luckily for Venice the attempt was totally unsuccessful.

1910. The first example of the carriage of commercial air freight! Freight was carried between Dayton, Ohio and Columbus, Ohio by the Wright Brothers and department store owner Max Moorehouse. Pilot was Philip Parmalee, a new industry was given birth!

1916. A German Army Zeppelin broke free of its moorings and headed out to the North Sea. Never seen again.

1950. BOAC retired its last flying boat.

1954. The Russians shot down a USAF B-29 claiming it was spying. Took place off Hokkaido, Japan's second largest island.

1976. First flight of the Falcon 50.

2006. Back to air freight. FedEx announced the first cancellation of Airbus A380, they ordered 15 Boeing 777 freighters instead. Some advances since the 1910 flight...



7th November, 1959... BOAC Britannia diverted to Blackbushe from LHR due to fog, along with numerous others!!




Don't forget to buy your Blackbushe Heritage Trust Raffle Tickets when you're visiting the Pathfinder Cafe at Blackbushe..




Flash back to the Barnstormers..Late sixties, early seventies the "Barnstormers" held air shows at Blackbushe. Heavies included Vulcan, Nimrod, and the Belfast. None landing participants due runway mods by the council. Main runway was used as the static park, 14/32 was used for take-off and landing.




Late sixties. Three Counties Aero Club air show. Runway 14/32 was used as the static park, main runway used for take off and landing...




Seventies, Blackbushe Air Festival. 14/32 and 01/19 use for static parking, main runway used for its prime purpose.


Happy Monday..

PB

[PB]

"Photo of the Day"
08/11/22

Yesterday on the Forum's 'Blackbushe Heritage Trust 2022 Raffle' section these words were said by our Member and Trust PR man 'exeglkflyer'. I have no hesitation in repeating them here to launch today's "POTD"..

"The Raffle draw in aid of the Blackbushe Heritage Trust will take place in The Pathfinder Cafe at Blackbushe on Saturday 3rd December at 1pm. Tickets will be on sale on the day, so if you haven't got yours yet come along and try your luck - £3 for a "once-in-a-lifetime" experience!

Prizes are as follows:

First: An airliner Flight Simulator experience at Heathrow
Second: A choice of 1 of 3 "air experience" flights in a light aircraft from Blackbushe
Third: A framed print of a Vickers Viking, similar to that which BHT hope to recover to Blackbushe
Fourth: A £50 voucher to use in The Pathfinder Cafe"


Our Forum was intended from the outset as a focal point for all who appreciate, value, and wish Blackbushe well with her ambitions to aspire to a fully fledged General Aviation airport. Part of the that appreciation is shared by all who value the Airport's magnificent and varied history that evolved over eight decades. Blackbushe's part in the growth of British independent airline operations is legend, a page in our nation's aviation heritage that should be remembered and preserved for generations to come.

THAT is what the Blackbushe Heritage Trust is committed to!! A hugely significant contribution to this ideal is the Trust's ambition to return and restore a Viking airliner to Blackbushe as a salute to the past.. The type played a leading role in airline operations based at Blackbushe, the opportunity to bring home a Viking must not be missed!!! THAT is why we are offering Raffle tickets with 'once-in-a-lifetime' prizes.

If you have not already done so, PLEASE buy your Raffle tickets before that 3rd December deadline. Whether you win, or not, YOU will have made a positive contribution to the Viking's return! When she's back at Blackbushe you can look at her and think, "I helped bring her back!!" A 3 quid ticket on 3rd December is all you need...at least one!!

The Trust is 100% determined to bring "Vagabond" back to Blackbushe, please play your part and buy some raffle tickets. You could end up flying a modern airliner, flying from Blackbushe in something a little smaller, win a super Viking framed print, or perhaps a £50 voucher to spend in the Pathfinder Cafe at Blackbushe.

DO YOUR BIT!! The Pathfinder have your tickets ready and waiting - help us make history!!




Glorious days! Days of Vikings and hangars at Blackbushe.. We're working on the Viking - with your help!! The hangars will come too, in due course. Together we can bring the Viking back!!


Got the message, get the tickets!! Please..

PB

[PB]

"Photo of the Day"
09/11/22

Granted another day on Mother Earth, 06.30 first light shows the slightest gaunt outlines of trees freshly deprived of their summer coats, 9 degrees on 9th November indicates another mild day for the time of year..

"Photo of the Day" is a bit of a time machine, it takes you back to the beginning of Blackbushe time, it take you forward in Blackbushe time to where our hopes lie in the coming years... Take for example these words placed on the Forum's "Blackbushe Heritage Trust" section yesterday. In hopes of bringing something of yesteryear's Blackbushe back to Blackbushe in the future there's an event TODAY that you and anyone else attending would find constitutes a pleasant evening.. The weather going to still be mild too!! For those who missed Kevin's words..."Blackbushe Heritage Trust will be at the Hampshire Christmas Fair, being held at Victoria Halls, Hartley Wintney (RG27 8RQ) tomorrow, Weds 9th November, 6.00-9.30pm. Please come along to learn about and support us if you can! Tickets for our Raffle (to be drawn on 3rd Dec), "spin the wheel" (for kids of all ages!) and merchandise will be available...."




If you haven't managed to buy your Heritage Trust Raffle tickets yet, tonight gives you another chance to win that once in a lifetime opportunity to fly the latest airliner simulator at Heathrow, or win one of three delightful flights from Blackbushe in a light aeroplane, or maybe a framed print of the Trust's intended goal, or a fabulous Fifty Pound Voucher to spend at Blackbushe's Pathfinder Cafe. Pop into the Christmas Fair this evening, it could be your lucky moment!!




There she is. G-AGRW, the target in the Heritage Trust's eye, the Viking that is destined to return to Blackbushe. She's worn coats of numerous colours, Hunting-Clan were the colours she wore during the fifties when she would often be seen gracing the Blackbushe scene although on her first visit she still flew in the colours of BEA her first owner on 19th March, 1947. On that occasion the aircraft was on charter to Blackbushe based Airwork..



With your help either by buying the Trust raffle tickets, attending our meetings at Blackbushe and joining the super volunteers, or buying the Trust's excellent merchandise, you WILL be making a difference and lessening the steps to be taken to bring RW home!

Find out more, visit the Blackbushe Heritage Trust's website for al the details and how you may donate too!! www.blackbusheheritagetrust.com/




There she is today. Cold and alone sitting on an aerodrome in Austria...


Thank you!!

PB

[PB]

"Photo of the Day"
10/11/22

How long was your last flight? Following the pioneering performances of the Wright brothers, this day 10th November, witnessed another first.. Back in 1904 Wilbur flew the Wright Flyer II for a distance of three miles near Dayton, Ohio. This would be the first flight of longer than five minutes... Could he have visualised the future of long distance flying? Just over 100 years later, on 10th November, in 2005 the Boeing 777-200LR created a new world record flying 11,664 nautical miles in 22 hours and 42 minutes flying Hong Kong to London. They took the long route going east crossing the USA en route rather than the usual western route flown commercially. Full fuel and just 35 passengers for the flight that surely would have impressed Wilbur and Orville.. I found that the 13 plus hours Los Angeles to London was quite long enough when we flew the route with the dear old 707 long ago..





Back in 'the days' of Blackbushe the tentacles of British aviation were spreading around the globe. Hermes operated to the far east..




The Bristol Freighters served far away places like Australia from Blackbushe. Their freight carrying capacity made them an ideal method of transporting missiles where their trials could safely be deployed in the wide open spaces down under..




..and today, aeroplanes like this connect Blackbushe non-stop to far away places such as the Middle East.



Little did the British government think when they closed Blackbushe in 1960 to protect their investment in Gatwick that six decades later jets would be flying long distances from her precious runways.. Nor did anybody else at the time! But, with steely determination Blackbushe flies and fights on, her determination to survive has been non-stop!!

PB

[PB]

"Photo of the Day"
11/11/22

Today, as we move on through the eleventh month of the year, as the eleventh day of that month reaches its eleventh hour we remember the point in time when peace was declared! On this day in 1918 World War One's guns at last fell silent. Millions had died, but this - it was hoped - would see the end of global conflict and humanity would see sense.

As we know it was not to be.

Humanity has not reached it's "eleventh hour" just yet but there's no doubt that we all share a stock pile of weaponry that could easily bring it about. The Forum's 'header' photo today recalls Bostons of 88 Squadron on one of very many combat missions flown from RAF Hartford Bridge in World War Two.

Blackbushe Airport, formerly RAF Hartford Bridge, played roles of great significance during the last World War. The sacrifices made by so many of her aircrew must never be forgotten, or over-looked.




Just one of the many aircrews for whom RAF Hartford Bridge was home during World War Two. Unnamed, but without words the photo speaks volumes, it's our duty to remember them and their associates for whom life at Hartford Bridge was one where life and death were ever present partners.



These words written by William Morris, a Wireless Operator and Air Gunner with 88 Squadron, in a letter dated 22/11/1994 convey a sincere reflection of those days that today we can but imagine..

"Nobody knows except us, the life we led on the Squadron and I wouldn't have missed it for anything. While we were at Hartford Bridge, we had many glorious nights in the Mess, plus the dances in Yateley, but the thing I remember most, is the comradeship between all the men, from the AC1 right up to the group Captain".



Let's not forget these young men who lived, flew, fought, and died while serving the name of freedom while flying from the airfield we know as 'Blackbushe'. Today "Nobody knows" the life they led, but we can perhaps imagine and in doing so perpetuate the spirit of those who gave their all for our today?

PB

[PB]

"Photo of the Day"
12/11/22

Blackbushe people who were around in the 80s will remember Stuart Marshall, he was the Airport Manager for many years and someone whose life was totally dedicated to aviation - and in particular Blackbushe Airport.

We lost Stuart earlier this year, a very sad occasion the Forum covered with much respect. Stuart and I launched this Forum as we felt, quite rightly, there was a need for something 'online' that would serve as a focal point for others with a similar interest in Blackbushe, or who perhaps wanted to know more about the airfield and its history. Called the "One-Stop Forum" the plan to produce a basic source of reference was fired up, "Photo of the Day" would become a part of its structure. 590,303 visits later, "POTD" continues to its journey. The journey and the Forum have both benefitted greatly from photos and information that have come from Stuart's personal collections and the history of the Airport he wrote, "The Wartime Years". It was not published as such, but remains a powerful source of past history extracts of which "POTD" delivers in its daily operations..

A couple of days ago my wife and I spent some hours with Sandra, Stuart's wife, to talk of times gone by and collect Stuart's amazing aviation library and more photos! This being remembrance weekend is entirely appropriate in remembering Stuart and the people he wrote about who were the life and blood of RAF Hartford Bridge in World War Two. It was delightful spending the day with Sandra and we will always remain in touch, while in the future more of Stuart's work will help with the content of "POTD" and other parts of the Forum. Further, as discussed with Sandra, we will be putting Stuart's amazing library for sale via the Blackbushe Heritage Trust where some priceless publications being sold will raise funds for the return of a Viking airliner to the Airport. Something we know Stuart would be 100% behind, I just wish he could know about it. Maybe he does?




Remember. One of the many Free French "Lorraine Squadron" Bostons at RAF Hartford Bridge between ops. Keep this image in your mind when you next scan the scene at Blackbushe.




88 Squadron, another of the heroic squadrons for whom RAF Hartford Bridge was home. They all paid the ultimate price so many times in their operations to preserve freedom, it may be hard to realise so many years later that our nation was on the verge of being invaded by the Nazi monster, but without the sacrifices by our services the world might/would have turned a very sinister colour.




The apron scene in 1986. Blackbushe was getting busier and hosted plentiful numbers of residents. This was during Stuart's years as Manager when Clubs such as Aeromart, Cabair and European Flyers were part of the scene while numerous twin piston engined air taxi aircraft were resident too. Manhattan Air operated two Beech 200 aircraft from their Blackbushe base. By now BCA had purchased the airfield after a long wrangle with Douglas Arnold and if the memory serves correctly the taxiway extension to the then operational hangars was put in enabling Air Hanson to establish their Beechcraft business. For a while Blackbushe had hangars and a very busy business aircraft operation. Sadly BCA elected to use the hangars to supplement their used car business and the rest, as they say, is history.



Tomorrow is Remembrance Sunday, some more memories of RAF Hartford Bridge too..

PB

[PB]

"Photo of the Day"
13/11/22

The annual coming together to remember the fallen of war, the giving of thanks for the sacrifices made by so many in the name of freedom, reaches its peak this weekend...

From our point of view at Blackbushe, RAF Hartford Bridge during the Second World War, we can but look across at what remains of the airfield and wonder what that vista meant to those whose lives were centered on the airfield where life and death were close partners.

In possession of many written memories by personnel who knew exactly what it was like, I've picked one this morning. It illustrates what was expected of aircrews of the time. Written by 613 Mosquito Squadron's Horace Mears in 1994 he recalls just one night on October, 1944. "I completed my 45th operation from Hartford Bridge on 31.10.44, a raid I recall quite well. The target was the big guns at Flushing - as the Canadian troops wanted to cross into Walcheren Island. It was a bad night weather wise, rain and low cloud base. We went out to dispersal. started our engines but were recalled. The operation was delayed for two hours and restricted to experienced crews.

We eventually took off and located the target. Cloud base was still 200ft - we had to make a second run and let down under under the cloud over the North sea and bombed from a height of less than 200ft, it was a successful trip we learned later...."

A light wooden aeroplane with two Merlins for company, 200ft cloud base, find and attack target. Get home. Imagine....




Photographs from Stuart Marshall's work, "The Wartime Years"....



















Times perhaps beyond imagination in today's 'peace in our time'?

I hope that today we might all give some time to remember them - and the great cause of freedom that they gave so much for..

Our freedom.

PB

[PB]

"Photo of the Day"
14/11/22

Another Remembrance weekend is over, the free world taking those respectful silent minutes to give thanks to the many who gave the ultimate ask in securing our freedom today.

Blackbushe Airport fell silent for the two minutes at 11.00 in what was an otherwise busy day. Spending a couple of hours at the Airport during the afternoon I felt a rising pride in the Blackbushe operation of today. A fantastic November day must be thanked for providing the stage of blue skies, a gentle breeze from the east, and circuit traffic that was constant. Compared to those bleak days in the sixties when we had just a handful of resident aeroplanes, the Airport's large number of resident machines today resembles what would have been a busy fly-in long ago! Weekends in the sixties we would, nevertheless, have five, six, or more aeroplanes at the holding point, the ongoing frequency of yesterday afternoon's activity in the circuit was rewarding to observe.

The air traffic density was more than matched at the Pathfinder Cafe as the afternoon queues for food were processed quickly, but the customers just kept on coming! With the weekend car rallies and motor cycle gatherings, Blackbushe Airport has become a point of very considerable public interest. The volume of cars in the car-park confirms that fact. It is to be hoped that Hampshire County Council are aware of the asset Blackbushe continues to become as a place of public interest, a highly respected centre for flying training from basic to advanced commercial standards, plus an increasingly popular facility for use by business and executive aircraft operators as they find the affordable advantages of Blackbushe and her professional aircraft handling facilities.




Sixty years ago. The airfield has come a long way, she could have come a lot further without endless interventions throughout those decades, but today one feels the Airport is on much more solid ground. A hope that will hopefully be confirmed over the next year or so?



A prime wish of mine is to see Blackbushe restored to a properly equipped airport with hangars, a Terminal purpose built, and all that comes with a modern business airfield. I just hope that time allows!

PB