PHOTO of the DAY...

[PB]

"Photo of the Day"
29/07/24

Perhaps 30C today in the Blackbushe area? Looks very promising at 07.30....

Time is of the essence this morning, just time for the one daily photo.




This wonderful aeroplane noted tracking west along the railway across Fleet yesterday with the Scout following. Photo taken during the Press Day prior to the Blackbushe 75th in 2017. Sounded fabulous as always. It's a while since she was at Blackbushe, the Army Historic Flight were very supportive of our events and Aerobility.


See you tomorrow..
PB

[PB]

"Photo of the Day"
30/07/24

POTD running late again, but better late than never?

30th July... I wonder if anyone remembers the significance of the date so far as Blackbushe is concerned?

Well, if not, it marked the end of 13 months hard toil where every spare minute - and some others - were engineered toward the success of our Blackbushe Air Festival in 1977. 47 years ago, that is quite unbelievable - but true! July 30th and 31st and both days were blessed with excellent weather, it's a true gamble spending so much time on what could be washed out by a British summer's day. Invariably we've been very lucky with weather and our events at Blackbushe over the past six decades, but each comes with the risk of the heavens putting the mockers on events.

Today, some images from July 1977. You've probably seen them before, some of you were there, while many were still awaiting their moment to join the human race..




The IAS Air Cargo DC-8 added something to the event! En route from Greece to Gatwick they popped over to Blackbushe and made some circuits, gear up, gear down - the first and last time such would be heard or seen at Blackbushe via a DC-8.




British Airways kindly provided a 747. A novelty in Blackbushe airspace, hard to forget the sight of her holding to the west before running in for a couple of fly-bys. Thanks to my dear friend, the late Alan Chalkly a Training Captain with BA..





I tried to bring some variety to the weekend, and was surprised by what a few phone calls could achieve ..TMAC flew across from Stansted with this CL-44. Keith Sissons flying it said that had we had a suitable GPU at Blackbushe he would have landed!! As it was he put on a great display with this beautiful aeroplane..





Two Varsities were gathered up and together they put on a great formation display both days. The last time that Vickers shape would be seen, and Bristol Hercules sound would be heard in the skies of Blackbushe.





Sally B was here for the weekend flown by Don Bullock and Pete Warren. Don Bullock was well known for his air show routines!



Endless thanks are due to the team who helped put the event together. Legends! Not so much thanks to the company we engaged to handle cash taking at the gate, a lot of money went AWOL... but long ago, it was great to have the opportunity of 'doing and air show' and seeing it come to reality. The idea behind the show was to raise funds to support Doug Arnold's legal battles to secure a future for Blackbushe. Nobody made any personal gains..

Although I issued contracts with all participants I well recall the night before when some dread that none would turn-up on the day interfered with the sleep process. Much as I would have liked to repeat the process in future years, circumstances were not appropriate or possible, but we still ran a number of events in the future that kept the Blackbushe circuit fed!!

Some more Air Festival photos tomorrow. Who knows, might be back on-time by then?

PB

[PB]

"Photo of the Day"
31/07/24

That was July then, Wimbledon, Farnborough Air Show, World Cup, International Air Tattoo, and below par weather - until the last couple of days.. Throughout this month, and many others, over at Blackbushe the Tech Team have been working wonders on the Blackbushe Heritage Trust's Viking restoration. It's a long job that requires patience, perseverance, and a resolute determination to see G-AGRW one day rolled out and back on Blackbushe soil looking every bit as good as she did when flying here in the fifties..

Now, talking of Blackbushe Heritage Trust, if you're at Blackbushe today and having some refreshment at the Pathfinder Cafe the Trust's Information and Sales Stall will be open very near the cafe. I know the guys manning the Stall would be delighted to see you and chat about the Viking's progress while perhaps selling you one of our items for sale every penny of which goes toward the aircraft's restoration fund. That's TODAY....

Yesterday we remembered July 30th 1977, the first day of the Blackbushe Air Festival. Today, the 31st, was day two and thus I've decided to offer some more memories of the occasion....



































A bit of the atmosphere.. I wanted to capture something of the spirit of Blackbushe from her wartime years and her civil/commercial history. Had its challenges, and I'll forever wonder what could have been done better but we made the most of what was available and will forever be grateful to the airlines who agreed to join in and the team who made the whole thing possible.

Don't forget if you're at Blackbushe TODAY to say "Hi" to the Blackbushe Heritage Trust team!!


PB

[PB]

"Photo of the Day"
01/08/24

August!! It's raining...

August - the month associated with azure blue skies signed by streaks of high altitude cirrus clouds that once formed the background belonging to the Hurricanes and Spitfires of the Royal Air Force as we moved toward the Battle of Britain in 1940 that came to a head in September of that year..

Talking of Spitfire skies, there's another Spitfire flying day at Blackbushe later this month. Maybe now is the time to treat yourself to an experience that would be 'life changing', to fly in a Spitfire..watch for details flyaspitfire.com/fly-a-spitfire-at-blackbushe-airport/?utm_term=&utm_campaign=Merchant/Shopping&utm_source=adwords&utm_medium=ppc&hsa_acc=8226624959&hsa_cam=19050417059&hsa_grp=&hsa_ad=&hsa_src=x&hsa_tgt=&hsa_kw=&hsa_mt=&hsa_net=adwords&hsa_ver=3&gad_source=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI0JXWj6XThwMVcJFQBh20HwSKEAAYAiAAEgL4JfD_BwE

Meanwhile, at Blackbushe another aeroplane to which our British aviation heritage belongs undergoes the massive task of restoration and rebuild, an aeroplane to which the heritage of Blackbushe and British civil aviation belongs - the Vickers Viking.

In May last year she was returned to the UK from an aerodrome in Austria where she would most likely have been scrapped - now she has a hangar at Blackbushe and a small but devoted technical crew who are lovingly bringing the old aeroplane back to life. One day she will be rolled out looking every bit as good as when she was seen flying from here in the firties to earn her keep...




Last year, languishing in a far off foreign field..




More recent times, scaffolding removed, the fuselage is primed, lots of dents and abrasions removed, the nose cone is away to be painted. The undercarriage is away being restored, the wings will be next for restoration. No one said it would be easy...




Protected by her new coats of primer paint, G-AGRW patiently awaits the day when she proudly carries airline logos after the eventual final coats of paint...



See you tomorrow....

PB

[PB]

"Photo of the Day"
02/08/24

Time has a habit of flying, advancing years are said to hold the blame, but I've just read that today is the anniversary of British Airways first passenger carrying flight with the mighty A380.. G-XLEA departed Heathrow for Frankfurt on the sortie. On this day in 2013 the BA A380 carried its first revenue passengers - eleven years ago, already!

Another event linked to 2nd August happened in 1947...this time somewhat more sombre. Star Dust (registration G-AGWH) was a British South American Airways (BSAA) Avro Lancastrian airliner which disappeared in mysterious circumstances on 2 August 1947 during a flight from Buenos Aires, Argentina to Santiago, Chile. A comprehensive search of a wide area (including what is now known to have been the crash site) discovered no wreckage, and the true fate of the aircraft and its passengers and crew remained a mystery for over fifty years.

AVM Pathfinder Bennett for whom Blackbushe owes her current life having plucked most of the Airport from demolition and obscurity was Chief Executive of British South American Airways.




British South American Airways at Blackbushe.. Their Yorks and Tudors crew trained at Blackbushe long ago...


PB

[PB]

"Photo of the Day"
03/08/24




Time at POTD very limited this morning, thus just one photo... A memory of days gone by as an Eagle Viking waits at the hold for runway 26 (It was 26 then). Work proceeds toward a Viking's return as the Blackbushe Heritage Trust proceed with the restoration of their Viking eventually to be on show - at Blackbushe - for all to see.



Back tomorrow...

PB

[PB]

"Photo of the Day"
04/08/24


Well, we've had a new government for a month now and while there is little indication that any of its members have heard of 'General Aviation' and its contribution to our GDP, their track record - if indeed a month is long enough to establish such - is one that invites much discussion!

POTD must avoid political indulgencies, but it does not take much to realise that all is not well in the turbulence that trails politics..

At Blackbushe life goes on, in September the amazing 'Twilight Runway Challenge' on 21st September raising money and funds for charities and schools in the local community..
You Tube link . I've joined the volunteers for the past years, it is truly an enjoyable occasion where spirits are high and participants vary from running in fancy dress, impressive athletic performances, cycling, skating, jogging, you name it. Blackbushe's runways add up to some significance distance for those who choose to run the maximum mileage..

www.twilightchallenge.co.uk/ Why not come and take part??

That'll be September, the time when the evenings start to close-in. We are told that with age time is accelerated, or condensed, but for whatever reason this year has flown by faster than ever. Perhaps the time being punctuated by hospital visits, an operation, and some discomfort has made time go faster although I'd have thought the opposite more likely?

Blackbushe Airport should have the new lighting installation up and running by the end of August, the Blackbushe Heritage Trust will be announcing its winter programme where guests will give talks on their specialised subjects, and the Viking will continue its journey toward that future day when finally it has all its bits attached and placed on show so as all may have an idea of Blackbushe's glorious past - and its relationship with the venerable Viking..

Of course, of importance beyond all others is the future of Blackbushe Airport itself. She has undergone a public consultation this year where all could express their views as to the plans for the Airport's future, a number of public meetings where presentations were made as to the future so all who wished to learn exactly what is planned could become fully aware of the development plans. The process now awaits another Planning Inspectorate Inquiry, the date of which depends on the Inspectorate's diaries. When it is known you may be sure it'll be appearing on "POTD"!

Another important diary date is Tuesday, 17th September.. That's when the next Blackbushe Consultative Committee Meeting takes place at the Pathfinder Cafe.. A public meeting, it starts at 19.00 so why not attend and show your support for the Airport??




A sign of the past - and a sign of the future. A Viking wearing the colours of Blackbushe based Eagle Airways -with her BEA ancestry just behind..



PB

[PB]

"Photo of the Day"
05/08/24

Another working week is under way, well for some it is, but not for all.....Spare a thought for those of 'at home' who had to face the blood vessel bursting excitement of the Triathlon in Paris this morning. One felt mentally and physically exhausted by the end, this then followed up by reading the latest report of broken Britain and its varied problems from thugs to No 10....

Have you thought how great it would be to make a change to your working life and maybe work at Blackbushe Airport for a living? I did many years ago when a teenager having joined AVM Bennett's Airport team to take care of 'operations'.. The role involved anything and everything as you'd expect for a team player in a team of four. Bill Freeman, Airport Manager, Miss Goddard in the office, Bill's son Mike and myself. That was it, in the days when Blackbushe was without any scrub and looked its original size. Arriving at work on my 49cc moped felt like arriving in another world separate from life beyond the boundaries.. A long while ago. There have been changes since then, but still not the more significant changes we hope for when planning issues are finally rubber stamped.

So far as working at Blackbushe today, and I think it would be a great tome to join, the Airport have a vacancy for a Fire Fighter/Ground Crew member. Here are the details... www.blackbusheairport.co.uk/rffs




The view from the newly constructed Control Tower in 1963. A temporary structure (that lasted much longer than originally envisaged!), the view was of a bleak and desolate aerodrome with no facilities.




Back in the days, we had the tragic site of the Airport's east end being chewed up and devoured by the local parish council, not ideal when you had staked your future in the airfield! It's very different today...




But, we had our moments, like the first Dakota landing at Blackbushe after the 1960 closure!!




Today it's a very different ball game, regular jet operations, a glowing future ahead, and still a great team to work with!


PB

[PB]

"Photo of the Day"
06/08/24

I know, we've missed the Corn Flakes hour again, hopefully we'll be on a more even keel again soon...

As one gets to a certain age, whatever it may be, the years that have flowed under the bridge become of increasing value. Maybe because you stand a chance of forgetting them altogether, or perhaps it's just nice to sit back and allow your memories to cruise through the years picking out the best that remains on offer!

Sitting here in "POTD Towers" supported by the editorial chair as the rain falls vertically on the other side of the window and contemplating the content of today's "POTD", the memory cells are flowing back to the amazing days of 1961, and after....

The Blackbushe Aero Club was formed, there was no aeroplane at the time, but the important thing was to form an association that was Blackbushe based. The Terminal was empty apart from the management office on the first floor, and still the management office in 2024, the airfield was a mess with trenches, holes, broken up drains, no water, no electricity, no phones - all such connections with the modern world having been severed some distance away in an effort to keep Blackbushe quiet and off the map. While such damage and distress did little to improve future prospects the camaraderie that flowed between all involved in forming the new aero club and supporting AVM Bennett's plans for his newly acquired 325 acres of the old airport was legend. As a mere 15 year old whose only qualification toward helping the AVM's plans was an intense love of the airfield that had delivered so much pleasure during the preceding years, and a desire to be close to whatever might happen to dictate the future of the Airport and its new flying club.

Well, I'm still here, a little older but still driven by emotions linked to Blackbushe with 63 years of involvement one way - or another. Those early days cycling up to the airfield on Sunday mornings to help with shifting rubble or anything that needed attention were buoyed by the wonderful team spirit that was shared by one and all. I was rubbing shoulders with airline executives, air crew, a vet, school master, aircraft technicians, and one or two others my age. One Sunday stands out for some reason. Clear blue skies, a hard frost, and the area between the Terminal and the A30 needed clearing. Strewn with broken tiles, bricks, assorted rubble, nippy on the fingers but a worthwhile way of spending time - every tile or brick moved was one less, one nearer the neater look we all wished for.




A nice interlude. This glider ran out of lift, thermals, and hope, but happily Blackbushe's remains provided a suitable landing ground. Parked near the Terminal I found immense pleasure in getting a close-up view of this beautiful craft and feeling her doped skin and wonder at the people who actually flew them!




Another rare visitor of the time, this Messenger was tucked-up close to the Terminal during its stay...Again, being close to a real live aeroplane was an absolute joy, especially as it was at Blackbushe! You'll note that the old Airport signs were still in place, Crew Clearance being just behind the aeroplane.




Somewhere in your mind the sounds of Blackbushe past were still clear. Yorks running up their Merlins, for example could still be 'heard'... Those sights and sounds of pre 1960 Blackbushe are seemingly here for ever for those who were lucky enough to see and hear them!




Now it was the time for smaller craft to occupy the tarmac! The Tiger Club came to tea quite often, as the photo shows, Blackbushe still enjoyed an aerodrome that reflected its size before local authority started destruction..



That small aircraft was just as exciting as any of the large craft that flew here before May 1960. The feel, the smell, it was an aeroplane - not too different to the model aircraft I had been building previously!




By around 1964 Three Counties Aero Club moved in with their magnificent Auster 6s. They built their own club house, built on a temporary planning agreement of course, a building that was to become a social focal point for a long while - today the old Club house has become the Pathfinder Cafe. In that building today another social atmosphere exists, but to some of us the faces of the sixties and seventies are always there - as is the mural painted by the late and much missed Tony Harold.



Blackbushe may be just 82 years old, but from war to commercial airlines, and from closure to six decades of endeavour to properly reinstate her as a serious player in the field of General Aviation but the spirit of RAF Hartford Bridge/Blackbushe Airport is richly endowed..

PB

[PB]

"Photo of the Day"
07/08/24

Another day, another day nearer the Blackbushe story being resolved, another day nearer the Blackbushe Heritage Trust's Viking being ready for roll out. Both require the patience of Job, but we'll get there...




Ahh..an Eagle Viking awaits its payload sitting abeam the Blackbushe Terminal. Happily some of the Terminal has survived bureaucracy and a Viking will be sitting outside in years to come..




A Viking training flight on 8th November, 1955... deviation from taxiway shows the tendency for some tail draggers to take a bow.



Meanwhile, the Blackbushe story moves through further stages. For anyone not familiar with the current status of the Airport, a Land Exchange agreement is hoped to resolve the long standing situation that has prevented Blackbushe from being able to become a truly viable aviation concern. Airport's with no hangars have their hands tied behind their backs...To remind you of the state of play, the application for a Land Exchange was made in January, followed by a Public Consultation that ran through January and February. A Planning Inspector would be assigned to the Application after which it is thought a Public Inquiry will be called for. Again. As to when, possibly autumn or winter 2024/2025 with a decision that, if favourable, would perhaps see hangar construction begin around the summer of next year.

It feels a long time since May 1960 when the last aircraft departed Blackbushe and the curtains were drawn around any future of aviation at this perfect airfield. It has been a long journey, it's not over yet, but thanks to the determination of the various owners of the site since 1960 the sight of aviation action has never totally gone away apart from the lull between closure and AVM Bennett's purchase of a large percentage of the land known as Blackbushe Airport!

Onwards and upwards!
PB