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Dunsborough Park





DUNSBOROUGH PARK:   Venue for 'Helicopter Garden Party' events

Local view
Local view
Area view
Area view


Note:  The first picture was obtained from Google Earth ©. The area view is from my Google Earth © derived database.






 

Operated/hosted by:  Charles Hughesden

Location:  Just N of Ripley village on the old A3 at that time

Period of operation:  Mid 1950s to mid 1960s


NOTES:  It soon becomes clear that these events quickly grew in status and size. Attracting the rich and famous, and even royalty. The Duke of Edinburgh being a very keen pilot in those days. 

We have Mr Peter Miller to thank for pointing out this venue, and he has provided these links:

https://www.pinterest.co.uk/pin/helicopter-garden-party-hosted-by-charles-hughesden-at-his-residence-dunsborough-park-near-ripley-in-Surrey-on-2nd-june- 1963--475903885593976477/.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kUGC1RW1Egl.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Up6Dw9sx7kM



Extra note:  Mr Graham Frost, a great friend of this 'Guide' tells us for the 1957 event, the following helicopters arrived, (may have been more?):

G-AKTW:  Westland/Sikorsky WS.51 Widgeon Srs.2. Registered to Westland Aircraft from 27.02.48 until 31.10.61. But, was used by the RAF as XD649. Re-registered as G-APPR on 03.11.58. 

G-AMTZ:  Saro W.14 Skeeter Mk.6. Originally registered as G-AMDC on 20.08.52. To the Ministry of Supply as XG303 in April 1954. Registered to Saunders-Roe from 20.08.52 until 07.12.59. Then transferred to the Army Air Corps.

G-ANZL:  Westland/Sikorsky S.51 Dragonfly Mk.IA. Originally registered as G-ANAL. Registered to the Evening Standard newspaper  from 08.07.53, and crashed at NETHERAVON on the 2nd October 1959.

G-AOCF:  Westland WS.55 Whirlwind Mk.1. Registered to British European Airways Corporation, (usually known as BEA), from 14.09.55 until 06.04.64. Sold to Libya, 31.10.65, as 5A-DBA. Presumably for work in the oil fields.

G-AOFA:  Hiller 360 UH-12C. Registered to Air Service Training at HAMBLE, Hampshire, from 30.08.56 until 29.05.59.

G-AOUK:  Fairey Ultralight, (arrived on a trailer). At some point given the serial XJ925. Registered to Fairey Aviation from 01.08.56 until 30.06.64. Then declared PWFU (Permanently Withdrawn From Use).     

  

 

 

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