Lower Lodge Farm
LOWER LODGE FARM: Private aerodrome (Aka BRAYBROOKE)
Location: Just NW of Braybrooke village, roughly 2nm SE of Market Harborough town centre
Period of operation: Apparently an ELG (Emergency Landing Ground) during WW2
Later used for one day only flying events from 1949 until 1956. But, officially licensed by the Air Ministry, as an aerodrome, for these events. A practice carried over from the 1920s and 30s.
A MICHAEL T HOLDER GALLERY
We have Mike Holder, a great friend of this 'Guide', to thank for researching the history of this little known venue location and providing the following items. I cannot be entirely certain, with now over 7,000 flying sites listed, (March 2024), but reckon it to be fairly certain that this venue is unique in being the only example of a site being solely used for events staged by the RAFA (Royal Air Force Association).
Both my parents, being ex RAF in WW2, belonged to the RAFA. But, living next to London Airport, (now HEATHROW), we had an annual film show to go to in Ashford, whereas these lucky beggers had the chance to go flying! As an aside, I now wonder, as required for many years, if all those pilots, for which fares were charged, held commercial pilots licences?
This Article One was published in the Market Harborough Advertiser and Midland Mail on the 28th January 1949.
THE ROYAL AIR FORCE ASSOCIATION ERA
Article Two was published in the Market Harborough Advertiser and Midland Mail on the 28th August 1952.
Photo One was also published in the Market Harborough Advertiser and Midland Mail, but on the 11th September 1952, whereas Article Three was published on the 9th July 1953.
These two photos plus the captions, were published in the.....yep, you've guessed it - Market Harborough Advertiser etc. But this time on the 14th July 1955. As was the Article Four below.
The advert was placed, (need I repeat it?), in the Market Harborough etc, etc, on the 1st July 1956. The area view is from my Google Earth © derived database. Note that not all the locations listed in this 'Guide' are marked.
NOTES: There is no way it will ever be known of course, but I sometimes wonder just how many thousands, (nay, probably tens of thousands), first had a flight, as a local joy ride, in an Auster? Definitely the aircraft of choice for most if not all (?), joy ride operators after WW2 until the 1960s and even later. I think the first Cessna 172 to be registered in the U.K. was G-APSZ (ex N6372E), owned by Buonfortuna Ltd in Sidcup from 21.05.59 until 01.07.65. And that type fairly soon usurped the Auster in the U.K.
It might be thought that flying joy-rides must be the most boring flying job going. But, in fact, it can easily be the best and most rewarding. Very few other commercial pilots can appreciate, before, during and after each and every flight, (pretty much anyway), just how much for most people, the thrill and sense of adventure of flying can be experienced. Even in a quick 'flip'of about fifteen or twenty or so minutes airborne.
Indeed, these short flights often remain treasured memories for a great many people. Far better for most than boarding an airliner. Indeed, I can still remember my first flight as a youngster in an Auster from Weston-super-Mare. Later in a Beagle Terrier, (basically an Auster), from White Waltham.
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