Epsom flying sites
Note: This map shows the location of the Epsom Downs racecourse, home of 'The Derby'.
EPSOM DOWNS: Early 'flying' experiment
NOTE: We have Mr Graham Frost to thank for unearthing this picture of the Guillon and Clouzy biplane. It appears that Mon. Guillon made an attempt to fly the contraption on the 11th April 1907. A cursory inspection shows that without much if any doubt, it would have failed to become airborne. Which is probably just as well, because if it had, airborne control would have been non-existent?
Note: Graham Frost later tracked down this transcript from The Daily Mirror published on the 12th April 1929. How interesting to see the aeroplane described as an 'airship'. So often of course, even a hundred years later, so called reporters employed by the press and media, have no idea what they are actually reporting about, and, presumably, so full of their own esteem, never bother to get the story details correct.
EPSOM POLO CLUB: Private helicopter landing area
Location: In Horton Country Club, E of Ewell village and B2040, N of B280, W of A240, E of A246
Period of operation: ? (1990s certainly)
Landing area: In grounds of Polo Club, a practice area 300m x 200m next to the Polo Field
EPSOM RACECOURSE: Model Flying
Location: Central area of racecourse
Period of operation: 1930s at least apparently, until –
NOTES: Some time ago I made this comment: "Presumably the flying of model aircraft had to cease during WW2? However, did it continue later?"
We have Mr Graham Frost, a great friend of this 'Guide', for pointing out - in April 2021 - that model flying has, and still does, continue at EPSOM. So, should proof be needed, I have added the following pictures from Google Earth ©.
NOTE: The pictures above show that the model flying site was moved slightly westwards between 2003 and 2010. It appears that this area is also used by helicopters visiting EPSOM, especially on race days, but the somewhat hazy 2015 picture is the only sign I could find of a 'H' helipad marking.
NOTE: Whilst looking at Google Earth for images of the model flying site, I came across this intriguing picture. I may of course be deluding myself, but to me it really does look like a flex-wing microlight. The absence of a shadow indicating it is on the ground? If anybody can kindly offer advice, this will be most welcome.
EPSOM RACECOURSE: Private/commercial helicopter landing area
Note: Picture by the author and taken through perspex.
Operated by: 1998: Helicopter & Aviation Services
Location: On Epsom Downs racecourse, about 2nm SSE of Epsom town centre
Landing area: Not defined it seems, but a controlled heliport on ‘special days’ with a specific area defined
A DISCOVERY - a semi-secret airstrip?
In 2017 whilst looking at the area for something else, I discovered a very interesting feature on Google Earth. Without any doubt a well prepared airstrip SW of the racecourse situated between Headley Road and Shepherds Walk.
The runway is orientated 17/35 and 860 metres long, and quite possibly reinforced by bitumen or similar to make it semi-hard at least. Although measuring just 3 metres wide, it appears to be marked by possibly the kind of marking used on playing grounds and shows every sign of being just a guide line, roughly similar to the 'chalk line' used at regional airports such a CROYDON in the pre-WW2 period.
There is a 'hard' turning circle at the southern end, and at the northern end a 'hard' larger area curling around to the west which could easily be parking for visiting fixed wing aircraft. Vehicular access appears to be just S of the junction of Headley Road and Shepherds Walk. To the E of the site is a ground feature which, if my imagination is not running away, highly indicative of an area regular used by helicopters with vehicular access from Headley Road.
If anybody can kindly offer advice, this will be most welcome. In more recent years the 'strip' has been fenced off, but, back from the 1950s, many jockeys travelled from venue to venue in fixed wing light aircraft. And indeed, it seems some still do.
EPSOM RACECOURSE see also RUBBING HORSE PUB
Robert Brown
This comment was written on: 2018-04-01 22:41:39An article in'Crodon Advertiser' in1990 paid tribute to a Battle of Britain Hurricane pilot who is buried in Croydon cemetery. I cannot remember much detail . He was based at either Biggin or Kenley, airfields of high elevation on the North Downs. A Haa fog had drifted up the Thames estuary, obscuring the tops of the hills thus denying use of the airfield. The weather diversion was to be Epsom Downs racecourse. He descended into cloud enroute to the diversion, a mistake which cost him his life.
We'd love to hear from you, so please scroll down to leave a comment!
Leave a comment ...
Copyright (c) UK Airfield Guide
