Rescue of old airfield buildings

Paul - I'll just settle for the beer instead (collapse, thud, snooze!!)

Chris

Chris

The car club is Norwich Classic Vehicle Club, we are an all make club which myself and 3 other mates set up 13 years ago.

Hardwick have a building within the museum complex which at present is derelict, they want to turn it back into a cafe, rest room which is basically what it was when originally built. So at least another is being saved, is there anyone out there trying to get a structure saved or restoring one at present ?

Jason, in answer to your question, we were at Snaith recently. The owners of WAAF Site No. 1 are currently clearing out Building No. 1 on that site, The Officer's Mess & Quarters building (drawing no. 7862/40). Thoroughly nice people. Although nothing has been decided as yet, given the structural integrity of the building, they are mooting the idea of a restoration. However, this wouldn't be overnight as the building is still used for the sorting and packing of eggs!

The building was used, for a long time, as a home to a battery chicken farming concern, although this has now stopped and the old equipment is gradually being removed.

I have been in touch with ther relevant parties and was hoping they may put in an appearance here but so far haven't heard back. I hope they do as that would be another one saved and perhaps an unusual example of an airfield building - WAAF Site and Officer's Mess & Quarters? If it comes up in future, the I'm sure many would like to support it. I'd go and volunteer my time for them.

Chris

Leaving the buildings in situ is great, and there are some fine airfield museums around which have done incredible work in looking after their heritage.

But, two cases that can happen...

Someone aquires the land for redevelopment (popular at the moment) and dosen't have any interest in preserving anything on site.

And heres another example, soon St Mawgans tower will be demolished. It is the oldest 'full' (ie radar room etc) working tower in the RAF and a unique VHT design.
What are the futures of other great towers and buildings, say West Raynham for example.
It would be far better to see them removed and rebuilt on a museum site, than destroyed.

I don't agree with a point made above about buildings being to frail to move, St Fagans has moved centuries old half ruined chapels and cow sheds, it is very expensive and labour intensive however.
I do think money and the nature of construction of some airfield buildings goes against resiting them.

Can you imagine a single airfield museum (as well as the existing individual site museums) and the scope for such a collection, it could show building development, specifications, forts, towers, radar instalations, arrester sites etc.

It needs the money, foresight and public support - again all probably sadly lacking.

This is all very fanciful I know, but the discussion is about this topic

If the idea of a single airfield museum was feasible, now would be the time to do it. Sadly, although some have the foresight, the large amount of cash needed is not.

Like the aircraft types at the end of WW2 that were scrapped leaving no survivors, I can see rare types of airfield buildings also failing to be saved. In 30 years people will say 'Isnt it a shame none of these are still left, why couldnt people then have had the foresight'

Ok, entering realms of fantasy here... lets say the money is available. What expansion period airfield, that is as close to its original build as possible should be saved. Bicester springs to mind.

What hostilities only airfield, the type built only to serve for the duration should be saved?.
Goxhill was probably the best, Rivenhall followed closely, both have suffered in the past few years. I cannot think of any that remain untouched or spoilt. But we are going to put all our saved buildings on one of them as a national museum...so where?

As far as duration-only (for want of a better phrase goes), Goxhill is starting to look a little worn out but nonetheless, a superb example of an airfield of the period. One of the buildings (don't know which one but it's just behind the central T2) has been converted into either a small stable or tack room. The OPs Block and the buildings next to it are now fenced off behind a solid security fence. The rest of the site has also sprouted fencing in a variety of places. Off-topic but Goxhill village has just just sprouted a superb little deli selling local produce! It's near the railway station should anyone be in the area, next door to the fish and chip shop.

Another good one, which wouldn't need moving anywhere, is Strubby. The technical site is pretty much intact and the tower is now a beautifully restored house. From a distance, even a short one, you wouldn't know! The WAAF Site is superb, although permission is very much needed to see. You can't get in, per se, but a few shots over the electric fence are more than adequate.

It is a shame and has been alluded to on this thread, that future generations may be denied the opportunity to see these buildings and be reminded of what they represent. I was shocked to see just how quickly Watton's C-Types came down.

To save a building by moving it is extreme but can clearly be done. If that was the last chance to save it then yes, if there was a petition I'd be one of the first to sign it. Sadly, it seems, airfield buildings, especially those built during the War are now fragile (depending upon function of course). Personally, I would prefer to see a building retained within its original context as its history can be better explained.

This is very much a multi-faceted discussion and let's keep it going. Be nice to see if any consensus of opinion can be formed - the community of interest is clearly here.

Chris

Edit - dropped a clanger regarding the building at Snaith - I meant to say it's WAAF Site No. 1 Building No. 3, Dining Room & Institute, Drawing No. 7838/40

PNK can i have what you're having.

It should happen though, we spend stupid money, well our Government do, on poncey art galleries in London and building that joke of a Dome but give hardly nowt to this kind of thing. cos it ain't what the masses like then they don't want to know.