Mynachdy Farm
Note: This map only gives the position of Meande village - an attempt to locate Mynachdy Farm failed. However, if anybody who does know this location, the advice will be most welcome.
MYNACHDY FARM: Early flying site
Operated by: C H Watkins
Location: In/near Maendy, on the A4222, roughly 6nm ESE of Bridgend, about 12.5nm W of Cardiff city centre
Period of operation: 1909 to 1918?
NOTES: I have Ron Smith to thank for this information, from his book British Built Aircraft Vol.5, from which I’ll quote in full: “The Watkins ‘Red Robin’ monoplane of 1909 was designed and constructed by C. H. Watkins at Mynachdy Farm, Maendy, Cardiff at a cost of £300, which included the engine, which was also designed and constructed by Mr Watkins.
Testing took place mainly in the early morning or late evening due to the problem of large crowds gathering to watch events in daytime. (My note: Most flights in those early years were conducted at these times of day to avoid winds and thermal activity). The aircraft was successfully flown on a number of cross-country flights, (My Note: I’d love to know where to of course, but quite possibly he didn't land), and the type is reported to have still been in occasional use as late as 1918.”
Ron Smith also tells us, “The machine was displayed in the RAF St Athan collection, having been stored for many years in the designer’s Cardiff garage.”
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