Hi all,...Keith B here introducing himself.
Born and raised in Stamford Lincs,now living near Peterborough for my sins.
I have been interested in aircraft and airfields since I was a kid sticking my fingers together while attempting to assemble the usual Airfix models.At one time I thought I might join the RAF but the 'path of life' led me to be an electrician instead.One of the firms I worked for specialised in MOD/DOE/PSA contracts on military bases.I have been lucky enough to work on just about every base on the A1 corridor from Grantham to Huntingdon,..plus a few more.
I spent most of my time at RAF Wittering,doing light installation work,plus maintainance and inspecting and testing.Happy days!Also worked for a long time on Alconbury and Molesworth.I remember all the security checks we had to go through when the Peace Camp was there.It could be frustrating at times.Two men,all day to repair a door bell,...I kid you not!
I'm now retired from work due to ill health,but I like to visit the old WWII airfield memorials.Makes for a great little run out,...usually on my motorcycle.
I came across this site while looking for some info,....all the answers are here!
Welcome to the forum Keith. I used to tour the airfields of the South East on my more modest Honda from 1972, replacing my cycle and thus increasing my range from 25 miles to 180 miles. With petrol only 35p a GALLON (less in 1972) I had a great time. Sadly slide film was more expensive than petrol so I saw a lot more than I photographed.
There is a lot on here and hopefully something that will spark some memories.
No Amount Of Evidence Will Ever Persuade An Idiot (probably not Mark Twain)
Welcome Keith, we have our Airfield Research Group Archive and HQ at Alconbury airfield, always on the lookout for helpers if you ever want to 'work' at Alconbury again....
Hello everyone, Grubby56 here from Chandler's Ford in Hampshire. Like many others, I've been perusing this site for some time, so thought I'd join to enable me to contribute whatever I can (probably not much, but who knows!). I've don't have a backgound in aviation, having spent 41 years at Ordnance Survey, but have been interested in the historical side of things ever since I can remember, particularly WWII. I first took an interest in the airfields when the Action Stations series of books were first published. Armed with the East Anglia edition, I spent two weeks on holiday in Suffolk, so took the opportunity to visit a few sites to see what remained. I was particularly impressed with Bungay, which at that time still had the runways in situ. It was quite poignant to stand at the runway threshold and let the imagination take over - I've been hooked ever since. My main interest is local - living very close to the New Forest I've spent many a happy hour exploring the airfields there, particularly Beaulieu. Over the years I've found (and mislaid!) various artifacts just lying on the surface, and, armed with the site plans, still spend hours wandering around looking for other signs.
Hi Grubby56, welcome to the forum. I will be in your area tomorrow as I do most Thursday's now, along the Winchester road where the parade of shops are, down the hill from the Esso garage.
Hello Grubby, welcome to AiX, could be useful having a former Ordnance Survey employee in the forum membership. Were you involved in cartography?
As a teenager I lived in Army MQ on the edge of Baddesley Common just to your west.
xame on here to find airfields near Loughborough as be at a loose end next sunday whilst wife is on a course!
so taking my bike for a ride around to see whats about! got info on Wymeswold for a starter!
about me? father served in the RAF during WW2 1941-43 in UK mainly at Duxford/Fowlmere then went overseas to India/Burma
used to take us up to Duxford before the IWM was there:)
in 1999/2000 I delivered around Royston Herts and came across the RAF Steeple Morden memorial to the USAF Fighter Group, great place to think whilst having lunch.
told others and on way back from Duxford t'other month showed my friend. also whilst cycle training for Coast2Coast went over to RAF Hunsdon to see that memorial.
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