Welcross Farm

WELCROSS FARM: Private airfield

(also known as SLINFOLD and WELCROSS GRANGE & WELCROSS GRANGE FIELDS)

Aerial view 2001

Aerial view 2005

Aerial detail 2013

Aerial view 2018

Note: All four of these pictures, above, were obtained from Google Earth ©

A series of four pictures taken by the author in October 2016.

First view

Second view

Third view

And finally, the fourth view

Operated by: 1980s: Welcross Aviation Later Mr C J Miller

Location: S of A264, in/near Slinfold, 3nm SW of Horsham

Period of operation: 1950s (?) to -

Runway: 2000: 04/22 700x30 grass 2005: 04/22 650x40 grass

Note: Measurements taken on Google Earth from 2001 show the runway to be consistently 03/21 and 630 metres long

NOTES: In 1959 the register for the Association of British Clubs and Centres shows that an associate member club was the Southdown Flying Group, operating from here.

Thanks to Mr Graham Frost, a great friend of this 'Guide', the earliest example found of an aircraft based here was the Taylorcraft Auster 5 Alpha, G-ANIR (ex TJ380), registered to Mr John H Miller from 09.03.56 until 11.06.58. It appears this was later exported to Malawi in July 1967 as 7Q-YDG.

I have visited here and, due to the amount of lovely aircraft based here have decided to describe it as an airfield rather than a private airstrip - it is a delightful place for pilots.

Even in the mid 1970s ten aircraft were listed as being based here - and what a selection! The Redwing 2 G-ABNX and Comper CLA.7 Swift G-ABUU both registered to Mr J Pothecary, (what became of him?). Plus the Auster J/1B Aiglet G-AMKU of the Southdown Flying Group. Of I think special interest was the presence of the Lancashire Aircraft Company Prospector EP.9 G-APXW. This was the last of the versions of the Edgar Percival EP.9, and I believe, was built at SALMESBURY in LANCASHIRE, which was basically an English Electric factory and testing aerodrome.

Also based here was the Rousseau CP.301B Emeraude G-ARIW, the Druine D.31 Turbulent G-ASPU, Piper J3C-65 Cub G-AYCN and the Jodel DR.1050 Sicile of R Emerson & Partners. Another Piper J3C-65 Cub, G-BBHJ, was also here.

Finally but certainly not least, was another Piper J3C-65 Cub (G-BDCD) which was registered to Suzanne C Brooks. Finding female pilots involved in aviation was pretty rare in those days, despite them having made an enormous contribution to aviation history.

Preparing the Robin HR200/100 G-BBOE for transport in August 2001

A PERSONAL MEMORY
I was asked in August 2001 to help take apart and transport the Robin G-BBOE for repair after a landing accident.

Agnes Axelsen

This comment was written on: 2020-01-07 19:46:50

This essential guide features 22 maps of the major operational airfields with associated units and airfield radio frequencies plus 22 maps of minor and satellite airfields. A location map of Volunteer Gliding Schools has been incorporated to this edition. A brief commentary has been provided to illustrate the operator, units and activities of the airfield. Where possible a location for airfield observation and photography is provided.

Dick Flute

This comment was written on: 2020-01-07 19:54:59

Hi Agnes, You do not mention what this Guide is called, or how it can be obtained. Please provide further details. Best regards, Dick

Harry Karmel

This comment was written on: 2020-07-14 22:31:33

Fantastic airfield - Chris, the owner is incredibly friendly and has a real enthusiasm for aviation. A definite stop for anyone looking for a welcoming atmosphere and some grass-strip practice.

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