Great Fransham
GREAT FRANSHAM: Hang gliding and paragliding site
Note: The first five pictures were obtained from Google Earth ©, the sixth item, the area view, from my Google Earth © derived database.
Operated by: Norfolk Hang Gliding and Paragliding Club
Location: Just SW of the WW2 USAAF WENDLING airfield, about 5.5nm WNW of Dereham town centre and roughly 5.5nm NE of Swaffham town centre
Period of operation: 1975 to -
Runways: (Or should I say 'take-off and landing zones' ?) 1999 - 09/27 365 grass 18/36 410 grass
Later it appears quite difficult to determine the exact dimensions looking at Google Earth © images.
It seems possible, by 2017, that the 'runways' were: 09/27 675 grass 18/36 800 grass
By 2018, it appears the northern section of 'runway', north of the E/W 'runway' had gone.
NOTES: We have Mr Graham Frost, a great friend of this 'Guide' to thank for pointing out this location.
I have to readily admit, that if asked to nominate the least likely sites in the U.K. for hang gliding and paragliding to take place, the flat lands in the east of England would be the first. But, I hadn't reckoned for very inventive people quite able to provide a solution. I had never heard of these types of aircraft being towed aloft. And of course, why not? Even a reasonable breeze can sustain them in flight.
As always in this 'Guide', if anbody can offer more information, this will be most welcome. Pictures of course are very much appreciated. (As a jpg, max file size 500KB)
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