Radstock
NOTE: The map location above gives the position for Radstock town centre
RADSTOCK, AN OVERVIEW
To date, in 2024, two flying sites near Radstock have been found for the inter-war period of the 1920s and 1930s. The first being the visit by Western Aviation, to a venue used from the 26th to 30th August 1927. This has been to some extent a joint exercise between myself, Graham Frost and Mike Holder. Mike manfully shouldering by far the main task. As a 'team' we often bounce ideas off each other, and it seems to mostly work very well. Invariably addng new locations and information. As in this case.
WRITHINGTON: Temporary aerodrome
The article was published in the Somerset Guardian and Radstock Observer on the 26th August 1927. The local area view is from my Google Earth © derived database.
The article states that the venue was just beyond the "Fir Tree" on the Frome Road, but we cannot decide what field that related to. If anybody can kindly offer advice and information, this will be most welcome. What I think must be mentioned is that this visit in 1927 was before the emergence of the 'Flying Circus' era which began in the early 1930s.
Location: Roughly 0.75nm ESE of Radstock town centre
CLANDOWN DOWNS: Temporary aerodrome
NOTES: On the 18th May 1933 Sir Alan Cobham’s No.2 Tour displayed in/near Radstock.
The location is roughly 1nm NNW of Radstock town centre, and about 1.25nm NE of Midsomer Norton town centre. Roughly 7nm SSW of Bath
A MICHAEL T HOLDER GALLERY
The short article was published in the Somerset Guardian and Radstock Observer on the 12th May 1933.
The Article One, in two parts, was published in the Somerset Standard on the 26th May 1933.
The area view is also from my Google Earth © derived database.
NOTES: I have found it of great interest to learn how the business of staging venues for flying had developed over the early years of the 20th century. Even before WW1 many notable aviators were performing "exhibitions of flying", sometimes carrying passengers, around much of the UK. After WW1, this endeavour increased to a very large extent, culminating in the 'Flying Circus' era, in the 1930s which drew huge crowds often in towns, such as Radstock, who had never previously seen anything like it. What I find of particular interest is that the 'Flying Circus' era coincided with the 'Great Depression'.
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