Ockley Manor Farm
OCKLEY MANOR FARM: Temporary aerodrome
Operated by: Sir Alan Cobham's National Aviation Day No.1 Tour
Period of operation: 16th August 1933
Location: About 1nm NE of Hassocks railway station, roughly 1.25nm S of Burgess Hill railway station
A MICHAEL T HOLDER GALLERY
Note: This newspaper article was published in the Mid Sussex Times on the 8th August 1933.
Note: The last item, the area view, is from my Google Earth © derived database.
NOTES: It is I think, always worth pointing out that, even if only operated for one day, due to the number of aircraft involved and the large crowds that gathered, these locations had to be officially licensed as aerodromes. In the early days a couple of men from the Ministry would turn up in a car to do a survey of the site, driving across it to ascertain its suitability for such an event, and often imposing operational limitations. Later, the most respected operators were accorded 'self-licensing' status.
The hey-day of the 'Flying Circus' era lasted from 1931 to 1936, more or less coinciding with the height of the UK Great Depression or 'Great Slump' as it was popularly known. This lasting, to a greater or lesser degree from 1929 until 1939, although as many point out, most people didn't see much if any difference during WW2. Or indeed, for several years beyond.
It is interesting to say the least, that faced with such circumstances, the desire of most people, despite the cost, was to obtain some relief and entertainment. In the USA for example, Hollywood produced films portraying the most flamboyant and extravagant examples of living the 'high life' ever seen, before or since. These were imported to the UK and were immensely popular. In a similar way, during daylight hours, the 'Flying Circus' operators strove to provide even more spectacular displays.
Meanwhile, for the very rich and powerful, they saw ever more luxurious ways of travelling, both by sea and air.
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