Many moons ago (33 years…!) my father and I were involved with the Air Scouts at Halfpenny Green. We used to go to the airfield every Monday night to work on the restoration of the Slingsby Tutor they owned, as well as Anson VM325 and Proctor G-AOBI (Thats another story…)

One night the airfield was plunged into darkness – a fuse had blown in a substation, and in the process of wandering around with torches we became aware of someone else doing the same… as far as WE knew, the airfield was deserted.

Once the lights were back on we were invited to the hut where this chap was assembling his BD5 kit! I can’t remember his name or the reg of the 5, but I do remember the build was appalling, where panels hadn’t fitted properly, copious amounts of filler were being applied.

I do remember that his chap worked shifts on the North sea oil rigs, and when off duty simply lived in the hut for a couple of weeks, working on the kit 12 hours a day.

What happened after that I don’t know, I never saw it again…

At this time, a company called Brockmoor Bede was formed who were the UK importers. Brockmoors are a foundry company, and I believe a director of the company set up the dealership as a sideline.

I still have the brochures I sent for at the time…

Ironically 35 years later, I drive past Brockmoors on my way to work every morning…!

I’ll get my coat…

Nige