Maidens Grave Farm
MAIDENS GRAVE FARM: Private airstrip
Note: The first two pictures were obtained from Google Earth ©
Location: About 1nm ESE to SE of Burton Fleming village, roughly 6nm NW of Bridlington town centre
Period of operation: Unknown? Possibly 1990 to 1995?
Runway: Unknown? The picture above shows a marking across the field that might possibly show a pre-existing runway? If correct it would appear to have been roughly: 12/30 490 grass
NOTES: We have Mr Graham Frost, a great friend of this 'Guide', to thank for pointing out this location. He sent the Air Yorkshire report providing proof of its existence. If anybody can kindly offer advice and information, this will be much appreciated.
A PERSONAL NOTE
To say that I was astonished and amazed to read the Air Yorkshire report would be very much an understatement. My flabber was well and truly ghasted. It mentions the Cessna F172M Skyhawk G-BDNU, an aeroplane I have many fond memories of flying. Back in 2003, due to draconion restrictions being placed on TOP FARM by fanatics in South Cambridgeshire Council, I was offered the opportunity the join the Lion Flying Group at ELSTREE, operated by the late and much missed Jose McVicar.
I was checked out in G-BDNU by the legendary Bill Bailey, who was then getting on a bit, on the 17th April. Towards the end of the flight, coming back towards Elstree, Bill said that he was supposed to check me out on stalling - would I object as we were only at about 2000ft or so? Not at all I said, we're in a 172. Yoke fully back November Uniform sat as steady as a rock, no inclination to drop a wing - and down we gently descended.
After a while Bill asked me if I intended to recover? Well, I said, recovering at circuit height seems like a good idea? I agree he said. Having learnt to fly in WW2 in the RAF, by this stage I doubt that anything would have phased him, he was so relaxed. Some time later I brought my truck to Elstree, (without the trailer of course - no room to turn the 18m rig around), so that he could have a ride in it, something he was very keen to do.
I gave him a running commentary on what I was looking out for, especially low branches overhanging the lanes around the aerodrome. He was delighted with the experience, and told me when we got back, that he could now see how I found flying light aircraft so easy by comparison. A compliment I will never forget!
EXPLORING FURTHER AFIELD
A month after getting checked out, I took G-BDNU to Ober-Schleissheim north of Munich for a one-off special air show. Later still, to the Algarve in Portugal for my 60th birthday, and then to Templehof, Berlin, just before it closed. So, as said, many happy memories in that aeroplane. Should you be interested I have provided several pictures at the end of my ELSTREE listing.
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