PHOTO of the DAY...

[PB]

"Photo of the Day"
07/09/24

Saturday, 07.30, and as yet it hasn't rained....

Here close to Fleet in Hampshire the past two days have recorded over two inches of rain on my weather system, today thus far not a drop....




This graphic photo courtesy of James Burton gives an idea of recent rainfall. The Blackbushe Heritage Trust's Viking keeping an eye on things.



Many thanks to James who can always be relied on for excellent aviation images come rain or shine.

Of course, the recent rainfall comes with the news that our entire fleet of nuclear submarines is in dry dock, certainly not due to a shortage of water..

The current water accumulation on parts of the airfield brings back vivid memories of the government's eagerness to put Blackbushe out of action for good following their decision to develop Gatwick. The drainage system was systematically destroyed, every drain along all the runways was opened, filled with demolition rubble and left. T'was not a pretty sight. AVM Bennett's Airport caretaker, the late Gordon Wilmer (Benjy) had the task of clearing out the drains and fabricating new covers thanks to the metal covers the AVM fabricated at his Denham works. These covers, were like rectangular dishes and each had to be filled with concrete before being laid into place. "Benjy" did a magnificent job, and I helped as much as possible during my school holidays. What could be better than days in the fresh Blackbushe air doing something toward 'restoration'?

The government did a thorough job of disconnecting Blackbushe, electricity, phone lines, water.. all were chopped some distance from the airfield. They did not calculate the determination of the airfield's subsequent owners and could not have dreamed of the extensive flying training, large numbers of home based aircraft, and passengers coming and going aboard turbo prop and jet aircraft that provide today's scene!!

Somewhere to the north west of Blackbushe "Benjy" showed me the fantastic underground concrete structure where the Airport's drainage was channelled. Cannot for the life of me recall where it was exactly, but it confirmed where the Airport's surplus water went keeping the place flood-proof.




A wet day in the fifties. Home based Hermes on Blackbushe 'south'... The striped fence to the right was the wicker work orange and white structure alongside the A30 to ensure aircraft landing on runway 32 did not land short.... The roof visible visible to the extreme right is a part of the Airwork complex on the other side of the A30. To the left beneath the aircraft's nose stands the Blackbushe Control Tower on Blackbushe 'north'. This was before the modern glass Visual Control Room was fitted...




Of course, there was discussion in some quarters as to the value of Blackbushe Airport's millions of tons of underlying gravel. Would aviation have stayed afloat had the diggers had their way??


Have a great weekend, hope your feet stay dry!

PB

[PB]

"Photo of the Day"
08/09/24

Another week starts, hopefully a drier week than the one just wrapped up, although the chills of autumn look set to perhaps encourage us to press the 'on' button on the central heating controller?

Hopefully as autumn's fingers find their way we're entering the period when Blackbushe Airport's planning quest will finally be resolved? Sixty plus years has been a long time to wait but for those of us who've ridden those decades of bluster, indecision, obfuscation, and utter frustration as the changing owners of the Airport endeavoured to change the course of history and truly put Blackbushe back on the map... The Airport has never been taken closer to that point than under the current owners/management, could it be that by the spring of next year that longed for green light will be shining? Stay tuned...




A moment in 1962. You'll note the scenery has changed somewhat, also we had very few home based aeroplanes back then...As for the passing Argosy, I really cannot recall his objectives but it was fully expected!





Another moment on the then ghostly quiet Blackbushe. Taken from the east end of the Terminal that was demolished by the County Council, the removal of precious apron space was hard to watch - or listen to!





That same apron a few years earlier..




But, today business flights are increasing in frequency..




A completely new runway lighting system will take us through the dark nights ahead, and Blackbushe is now home to the best part of 100 resident aircraft!



I am near to 100% certain the last six decades will not have been spent in vain... Just hope the pills will keep me going long enough to find out!!

PB

[PB]

"Photo of the Day"
09/09/24

Monday. Another week of excitingly varied medical encounters and the chill of autumn scheduled to arrive courtesy of a nor' westerly laden with cold air from t'up north..

Don't know what the weather was like, but on today's date in 1911 Britain's first air mail flight took place. Not particularly lengthy, Gustav Hamel flew from Hendon to Windsor...A few years earlier, in 1908 Orville Wright was stretching the flight endurance figures. He stayed aloft for 1hour three minutes and fifteen seconds. In 1916 the fabulous Bristol F2 made its first flight, a few years later in 1929 the beautiful DH Puss Moth ventured skyward for the first time...

In 1955 the big three in the USA took steps toward categorising standards of air travel. For trans continental flights across the USA they agreed to introduce 'coach class'.. The 'big three' being American, TWA, and United...

OK, one more, on this day in 1964 the first production Beech King Air rolled off the assembly line.

Blackbushe did not feature in any of the above, but the King Air has proven a regular sight here throughout its lifespan..




The throaty Beech Queen Air was to be seen and heard at Blackbushe in the early days. No mistaking when one of these was in the area..




A Queen Air paid homage to Blackbushe during our amazing Reopening Air Display in October 1962.




The King Air brought a new era of business travel, quiet, comfortable, and happy at high altitudes above the weather..Farnborough Week used to bring an assortment of King Airs to Blackbushe..




A King Air enjoys some varied company on Blackbushe's apron during the Doug Arnold era!




What a popular aeroplane.. G-SWFT of Blackbushe based Air Swift was a part of the day to day scene a few years back...



Have a happy Monday...
PB

[PB]

"Photo of the Day"
10/09/24

You will have seen the current Forum header photo...




The Fairtravel Linnet..behind a reminder of the wide open spaces, and three runways of the north side before it became abandoned and seemingly vanished into another Sherwood Forest.



Basically the French Emeraude built under license by AVM Pathfinder Bennett at his Gerrards Cross works where Fairtravel were based. I believe only five were built, one of which attended the Blackbushe Air Day a couple of years ago..




One of the few, a Linnet returns to Blackbushe bringing memories of many years before.



Two Linnets were operated by the Blackbushe Aero Club in the sixties, Fairtravel was another of the AVM's ventures which included the Fairthrope car company and, of course, his ownership of Blackbushe Airport managed by Dart Aircraft of which I was the 'ops' department for some three of four years way back in the early 1960s.. The AVM was the most interesting person to work for/with, one of the most distinguished RAF bomber pilots and founder of the famous "Pathfinders" he was a person who stood no nonsense, could not abide people who smoked, and someone who could strike fear into the hearts of the boldest! I found him to be a complete gentleman, most of the time, and felt honoured to accompany him on trips in his dynamic blue Fairthorpe car. To be riding and chatting with such a famed character was quite unforgettable for someone who then was still a teenager!!

By and by all things end and indeed the AVM's tenure of Blackbushe ceased when he sold to Douglas Arnold. Now there was another person who you were either friends with - or not. I think my efforts were appreciated in organising the odd air show, seeking traffic for Farnborough week, and Public Relations Officer of the newly formed Blackbushe Airport Users' Association.. It's what one did for the sake of the airfield - and my own entertainment including running the 1977 Air Festival!

Then came British Car Auctions who took the reins from Doug Arnold. They spent a lot of money refurbishing the Terminal and the car park, eventually selling most of the Airport to the current owner. Through the Arnold era and into the BCA rein Stuart Marshall was Airport Manager with whom I had a long and close friendship. We worked on various events including the Airport's 50th Anniversary air show and weekend. Stuart is sadly missed as a friend and fellow Blackbushe devotee, he would be thrilled to see the progress the Airport has made as it heads toward a solution for the long term hold-ups to the necessary planning consent to enable significant improvements to the Airport's look, function, and prospects..

My respect for the above mentioned gentlemen is undying, much as is my enthusiasm and support for the Airport and the Blackbushe Heritage Trust as they move toward an exciting future.

PB

[PB]

"Photo of the Day"
11/09/24

Just over 5 degrees C outside this morning, the chill of winter knocks on the door but how lucky we are to have another winter to look forward to regardless of the weather. Not so for many on this morning in the United States of America on this day - 9th September, 2001. 9/11.

I was recently looking at the famous photo taken by Voyager 1 when some 3.7 billion miles from Earth back in February, 1990. Carl Sagan had emplored NASA to turn the craft round one more time to get an image of our lonely planet, and what an image they secured. Known as the 'pale blue dot' mother Earth is infinitely small in the infinitely vast vacuum we call 'space'. Talk about the lonely planet, it's hard to believe that our complex world is so minute, that our world has such advanced forms of life (us?) and in that world we are blowing fellow humans apart in hideous war and 'religious' ideology while surrounded by the magnificent beauty our tiny lonely world provides. I know, this has nothing to do with Blackbushe directly, but events on this day in 2001 made me stop and think...




Photo courtesy of NASA.




On that September day the ultimate of human evil was released. 246 people departed for morning flight departures, 2,606 people went to work on 'just another day', 343 firefighters went on shift, 60 police, 8 paramedics and one dog went about their way. Life was snatched from each and every one by 10am USA time. I had just completed a meeting at Gatwick with the CAA around 14.00 as the car radio reported the first strike on New York's mighty Twin Towers. Working for an American airline I was transfixed by what I was hearing. It couldn't be true? It was...

My point is that on this tiny speck in space we are so gifted to enjoy what it has to offer, it is so tragic that humanity can and will continue to pursue insane acts of war and evil. A simplistic view no doubt, but give it some thought as we remember...




Happily, at Blackbushe we can go face to face with an exciting and peaceful future while never forgetting those who gave their lives flying from here in pursuit of the peace we all desire..


Stay safe..
PB

[PB]

"Photo of the Day"
12/09/24

Yesterday's "POTD" looked at how something very small can live in something so large it cannot be measured...

Today a little more back to Earth, and recall of Blackbushe's largest and smallest.




1959, the world's largest aircraft at Blackbushe! The mighty C-124 Globemaster nicknamed 'Old Shakey' by those who knew her...




Even bigger.This one came to do some flypasts in 1977, but funnily enough it didn't land on Blackbushe's remaining runway length..




To the terribly tiny Taylor monoplane..We've had smaller but the photo has eluded the Editorial search.



The above reminds of the days when the north side was still operational and regularly mowed..


That's all for today

PB

[PB]

"Photo of the Day"
13/09/24

One thing about living in the UK, the weather never fails to be a talking point. Friday, 13th September, near enough to winter to provide the first frozen windscreen of the season, OAT currently +3C at 07.00... No doubt more frozen bits before we return to warmer times?

Friday 13th. So what, we're not shrouded in mystic superstitions...are we?

It may not have been on a Friday, but 13th September 1931, (a Sunday) the Schneider Trophy was won by the Supermarine S6B at Calshot Spit flying at average of 340mph (547kph). Flown by Lt John Boothman this beautiful Supermarine monoplane provided the basis from which RJ would design the immortal Spitfire. Only nine years later Spitfires and Hurricanes were aloft in the clear blue skies of autumn facing the onslaught of the Luftwaffe's attacks designed to bring Great Britain to her knees. In September, 1940, Hitler had vowed to smash the Royal Air Force prior to launching his invasion of OUR land. Thanks to our pilots in Fighter Command Hitler was dissuaded from his ambitions toward our nation, this day in 1931 no doubt played its part thanks to the design skills of RJ Mitchell and his team.....

Going ahead to 1977, a replica Supermarine S6B was due to open the Blackbushe Air Festival. Sadly the beautiful aeroplane went U/S and was unable to start the proceedings. With aviation an 'alternate' is always advisable and the Andreasson BA4 provided a very aerobatic opening instead...







More aerobatics back in '77 were provided by Bob Thompson's superb 'Jubilee Duo' and their Pitts Specials.



Back tomorrow, and that'll be a day at Blackbushe thanks to RJ Mitchell. The Spitfire returns.

PB

[PB]

"Photo of the Day"
14/09/24

Saturday, the Sun is ready for duty, clouds minimal, Spitfire in the sky....Blackbushe today!

Should you be at the Airport today do take a peep at the Blackbushe Heritage Trust hangar where the Viking is being lovingly restored, you will always be welcome and perhaps you might feel the urge to get involved, there are many ways in which you can do so.... Take a look at the website www.blackbusheheritagetrust.com/

Going back in time a few years, I note that on this day in 1963 the Japanese MU-2 made its first flight. Twin engined turbo prop that produced more than a little sound when in action, we had a number of MU-2 visits during Farnborough Week back in the seventies I guess.. One such visit is seen below.




The MU-2. Note how the council owned land on the 'other side of the fence' was in the process of growing into the overgrown state of today, and the Terminal was still at its original length.



Time changes everything, and Blackbushe has been no exception.

Talking of time, here's another reminder of how you could spend yours!!

First, you are welcome to attend the Blackbushe Airport Consultative Committee meeting on Tuesday 17th September starting at 19.00. Held in the Pathfinder it's a great way to meet fellow Blackbushe supporters and hear the latest news from Blackbushe Airport! Just arrive before 19.00.

Second, Thursday September 19th sees the first of the Blackbushe Heritage Trust 'winter talks'.. A cracking start too as Amanda Wickwar relates the history of Britain's nuclear deterrent.. Starts at 19.00 at Blackbushe's Pathfinder Cafe, tickets are £10 all of which goes directly to the Heritage Trust's Viking restoration project... www.blackbusheheritagetrust.com/

Third, www.twilightchallenge.co.uk/ 21st September. Participate or just come and watch, it's a great evening!!

The year is rolling by and next week is going to be one where plenty of opportunity exists to meet the Heritage Trust team and also learn the latest developments in the life of Blackbushe... Hope to see you!!


Have a great weekend!

PB

[PB]

"Photo of the Day"
15/09/24

15th September. The date should resonate through our minds and our souls, with gratitude, admiration, and sadness.. The Battle of Britain had reached its peak by this day in 1940 hence our marking today as "Battle of Britain Day". Two days earlier Hitler had launched his 'Adlertag' (Eagle day), as the Luftwaffe launched relentless attacks on the south-east's airfields in his bid to finally silence the Royal Air Force, break our defences and thus launch his invasion of Great Britain. He had not calculated the resolute spirit that flowed through Fighter Command and the young pilots upon who the safety of our nation depended. Today the Luftwaffe's assault on our land was rewarded by their heaviest losses to date during 'The Battle' consequently Hitler's 'Operation Sea Lion' the invasion and occupation of Great Britain was thwarted, the courage and resolute determination of the RAF's fighter squadrons vanquished the cross bearing fleets of bombers and escort fighters who were intent on our nation's final breaking. They failed. During the Battle of Britain from mid August 1940 until today some 544 RAF pilots gave their lives while 2500 Luftwaffe aircrew were sacrificed as a result of Hitler's obsessions and Britain standing alone to face his worst efforts.

It is no doubt hard for today's generations to appreciate how close our nation came to defeat in 1940, the world has changed in so many ways yet the dark shadow of threat has not been finally extinguished. Not from a mad despot, but an evil one...




Yesterday more people experienced the Spitfire as 'Grey Nurse' from Biggin Hill took new recruits into the place where Spitfire belongs - the blue firmament. Happily there's one more day Spitfire day at Blackbushe in October, but it looks most likely that next year will see more of such days at Blackbushe.



Some four years after the Battle of Britain, RAF Hartford Bridge had been built and truly tasted the flavour of war. Looking at 15th September, 1944, home based 88 and 226 Squadrons attacked German occupied docks in Holland while a party of both RAF and WAAF personnel of Station HQ attended a service at the village church in Yateley commemorating the Battle of Britain.




Yesterday the immortal sound of the Spitfire echoed the length and breadth of Blackbushe as yet more experienced the magic of flight with those elliptical wings carrying them aloft behind the mighty Merlin. 'Grey Nurse' captured by the chase aircraft...now that's an aeroplane with a history all of its own.




My tribute to the pilots of the RAF, written at the time of the 75th Anniversary of the Battle of Britain, and read at the Memorial Flight's Battle of Britain dinner at that time.


PB

[PB]

"Photo of the Day"
16/09/24

Yesterday's "Battle of Britain Day" Photo of the Day recalled life in England on 15th September, 1940. The following day, today, in 1940 the weather had changed to the point where heavy German raids were precluded. However, they did not stop immediately thus on this day the small number of attacks by German bombers were met with hostile opposition from the squadrons of the Royal Air Force resulting in the destruction of nine enemy aircraft and the loss of one RAF pilot. The tide had turned..

In 2024 this week is one with some dates for your diary if not already in there....

Tomorrow night, 17th September, the Blackbushe Airport Consultative Committee will be holding the second of their biannual meetings this year. Starts at 19.00 in Blackbushe's Pathfinder Cafe and is open to the public to attend, so why not come and listen to the debate, discussion, and decisions surrounding the Airport? There will be a visitors' question time should you have a pressing question to put before the Committee, it's always an informative and interesting evening thus it's always good to see a reasonable turn-out of people who appreciate the value of 'our' Airport.

Looking slightly further into this week there's another event at the Pathfinder that should be in your diary. On Thursday evening there's another occasion where the Pathfinder Cafe is the venue for the first of this year's 'winter talks' by the Blackbushe Heritage Trust. This week the subject is Great Britain's nuclear deterrent, its development and history by Amanda Wickwar. This promises to be a unique occasion regarding a subject that is in the minds of all of us. The talk will begin at 19.00, tickets are just £10 and all funds go directly to the Heritage Trust's restoration of their Viking airliner. Your attendance will help the Viking's progress as well as providing you with some highly interesting facts regarding our nuclear status.

I know we've already covered these dates before in POTD, but it will REALLY be good to see you at either or both events, both will be very informative!!




Our daily photo reminds of daily life at Blackbushe prior to the Airport's closure in May 1960. A Super Dakota of the United States Navy - such a regular sight in the school boy eyes that watched from the Airport's main car park so many years ago. That squared off tail and the squeal of brakes are locked in my memory. I was 12 when cleared to ride solo to Blackbushe, the roads were so much quieter back then, and time spent by the car park fence absorbing the highly varied Blackbushe action was truly a gift from the gods for anyone with the slightest inclination toward aviation!


Those days are now long gone, but their magic lingers and fills you with hope for 'tomorrow' because you know what Blackbushe was capable of!!

Hope to see you at one or both of this week's meetings!!

PB