Walkeridge Farm
WALKERIDGE FARM: Private airstrip (also known as HANNINGTON and OVERTON)
Note: All six of these pictures were obtained from Google Earth ©
Location: 1nm E of B3051, just W of Hannington, 3.5nm N of Overton
Period of operation: 1970s to -
Runway: 2005: 02/20 450 grass
2018: 02/20 400 grass
NOTES: This strikes me as being remarkable in many ways is that today WALKERIDGE FARM seems barely known about. However, in the mid 1970s ten aircraft were listed as being based here: DH.60 Moth G-ABEV, Luscombe 8E G-AFYD, Auster J/1N Alpha G-AJIS of A G Roads & ptners, and the DH.82A Tiger Moth G-AOCV.
I was somewhat surprised to find that, in those days Ron Souch had the Piper PA-20 Pacer 135 G-ATBX based here. Also based here was the Jodel DR.100A G-ATHX, and the Piper PA-16 Clipper G-BAMR registered to Mr C C Lovell who also became renowned, along with Ron Souch, for first class classic aircraft restorations. I have delivered at least two classic types to Chris Lovell when he was later based at STONEFIELD PARK (CHILBOLTON) - Hi Chris!
If this was not enough, also based here was the Fairchild 24R-46A G-BCBH of Aeromac Ltd, the D.H.82A Tiger Moth G-BCRD, Piper PA-17 Vagabond G-BCVB, Piper J-3C-65 Cub G-BCXJ, Piper PA-17 Vagabond G-BDVA and last but not least, the Piper PA-17 Vagabond G-BDVC.
A MELTING POT?
I’m mainly guessing of course but I’d bet (at least 20p anyway) that WALKERIDGE FARM was for various and several reasons a significant ‘melting pot’ in British GA history. Producing in many ways and by some mysterious process at least two of the most respected restorers of classic aircraft types. Hopefully one day somebody will explain via a well researched article just how and why these happy circumstances came about.
A COUPLE OF INTERESTING ITEMS
These two pictures were kindly provided by Mr Graham Frost, a great friend of this 'Guide'. He took the picture of the unique Watkinson Dingbat G-AFJA at a PFA Rally at SYWELL many years ago. First flown from HESTON airport in 1938, it was registered to Mr A Christian, here, from November 2006 until December 2014. It's CofA then being cancelled. Also, many years ago, he took the picture of the Jodel D-112 F-BHME here.
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