Lower Heyford
LOWER HEYFORD: Private airstrip (Aka COLLEGE FARM)
Note: Both of these pictures were obtained from Google Earth ©
Operated by: Mr W T Knapton
Location: About 0.5nm ESE of Lower Heyford, the strip being close to, and S of the B4030
Period of operation: 1950s (?) to 1980s (?)
Runway: E/W 395 x 27 grass
NOTES: Lower Heyford is just to the south of Upper Heyford which of course lies close to what became the major USAF airbase of the same name. I have heard stories that Mr Knapton had a rather ‘robust’ attitude towards his flying privileges and often caused concern to the USAF ATC as he bumbled around the local area in his non-radio Cub refusing to talk to them about his proposed activities, even on the telephone. It seems he had the opinion that as he’d been flying around these parts for years before they arrived, it was they who should ‘give way’ to him! I do so hope these stories are true.
MORE NEWS
In December 2020 I was kindly contacted by Graham Frost, who is of course a great friend of this 'Guide'. He remembers a visit when he was ten years old, with his father. (Who had made a previous visit).
Graham made a note of the runway and, saw an Auster or Beagle Terrier there, but the registration was somewhat obscured. He thinks it could be G-AS?I - any ideas? The great news was that the Cub, (mentioned above), is now identified. It was the Piper J3C-65 Cub G-AIIH, and was registered to Mr W T Knapton from 21.11.51 to 17.10.75.
The barn where these aircraft were stored, just south of the B4030 can still be seen in the first picture above. Mr W T Knapton is better known for being a major figure in getting FINMERE established. As always in this 'Guide', if anybody can kindly offer more advice, this will be much appreciated.
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