Magilligan Strand
MAGILLIGAN STRAND: Early experimental flying site, later gliding site
(Also gliding from BENONE & DOWNHILL on the same long stretch of beach)
Operated by: J B Ferguson
Location: NE of Londonderry Derry
Period of operation: From May to July 1910 only?
NOTES: See OLD PARK, Hillsborough for a bit more info.
I discovered this site in Ron Smiths excellent book, British Built Aircraft Vol.5, on page 236. In his list of sites used by J B Ferguson, (of farm tractor design and manufacturing fame), between 1909 and 1913 he lists MAGILLIGAN STRAND as being in/on Strangford Lough.
GLIDING
It appears that the Ulster Gliding Club have been using this beach since the 1930s, although their main base has been for many years in more recent times, BELLERENA airfield. Even in the 1930s the site had such a fine reputation that famous aviation personalities such as Amy Johnson and Tommy Rose paid a visit.
The Ulster Gliding Club still use this site, but in recent years rather infrequently due to other visitors using the beach, who need to be asked to clear a path. I am not at all sure about the early years, prior to WW2, but since then it seems the favoured method of launching is an auto-tow - using a motor vehicle.
I can highly recommend the Ulster Gliding Club web-site for more detailed information.
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