At 16.30pm today the BBMF flew over the Kenley Tribute that stands as a memorial to all of the personnel who died at this most famous of Battle of Britain airfields.
Last years appalling weather at the Kenley Air Day kept the BBMF away, thankfully the flight was blessed with superb conditions for a spirited series of flypasts that was greatly appreciated by the large crowd.
There appears to be a large local interest in Kenley aerodrome, surely its about time that a Heritage centre/museum is established at this remarkably well preserved aerodrome.
More to follow.
Septic.
By: The Bump - 30th June 2011 at 15:10
“Kenley seems to have an active and enterprising air display committee”.
Early days as yet but I just thought I’d mentioned that with the demise (for the forseeable future) of the Biggin Hill airshow and a “now” corresponding lack of flying displays in South East London (Kent/Surrey) there is a proposal for a charity “themed” airshow to be held at Kenley every 2 years (2012, 2014, 2016 etc) to try and partially replace Biggin? The initial one is hopefully to be held over the weekend of 15th/16th September 2012 (after the Olympics restrictions) and will be something along the lines of a 1930’s “Empire” Air Day – featuring as many biplanes (Hawkers, Gladiators, Stearmans etc) as possible plus a few Hurricanes, maybe the Short nose Blenheim (?) or DC2 from Holland (Aviodrome), BBMF and to close the “Reds”.
We are currently trying to canvas for sponsors and the show is being organised externally to the “Friends of Kenley” committee.
More details as they become clear. Watch this space!
Sounds promising, the axing of the Biggin show was a mistake, we are used to things coming to an end due to the current financial climate, but the Air Fair was attracting record crowds.
The people behind the decision are a disgrace.
Best of luck with the Kenley idea, it is a lovely setting and I had my very first flight there at a show in 78.
By: PhantomII - 30th June 2011 at 12:43
That photo makes me jealous. I can hardly think of anything better than six Merlins all making noise at the same time. 🙂
By: PBY - 29th June 2011 at 17:56
BBMF at Kenley and proposed airshow
“Kenley seems to have an active and enterprising air display committee”.
Early days as yet but I just thought I’d mentioned that with the demise (for the forseeable future) of the Biggin Hill airshow and a “now” corresponding lack of flying displays in South East London (Kent/Surrey) there is a proposal for a charity “themed” airshow to be held at Kenley every 2 years (2012, 2014, 2016 etc) to try and partially replace Biggin? The initial one is hopefully to be held over the weekend of 15th/16th September 2012 (after the Olympics restrictions) and will be something along the lines of a 1930’s “Empire” Air Day – featuring as many biplanes (Hawkers, Gladiators, Stearmans etc) as possible plus a few Hurricanes, maybe the Short nose Blenheim (?) or DC2 from Holland (Aviodrome), BBMF and to close the “Reds”.
We are currently trying to canvas for sponsors and the show is being organised externally to the “Friends of Kenley” committee.
More details as they become clear. Watch this space!
By: NevH - 29th June 2011 at 13:17
I thought I picked up the distant sound of Merlins from my garden away in Selsdon on Sunday afternoon. From the duration, it sounded more than just a single pass; was it a proper display?
Kenley seems to have an active and enterprising air display committee, judging from last year’s excellent event (but even they couldn’t command the weather, alas). I guess having a permanent visitor centre would be a very big undertaking (and assuming funding, planning permissions, insurances, rights-of-way and all the other stuff fell into place – it’s taken years to move the Biggin Hill visitor project along). But it’s good that the BBMF continue recognise the special history and character of Kenley.
Somewhat off-subject, but what a good site Kenley would be for a balloon festival like they have at Bristol!
By: bazv - 29th June 2011 at 12:29
Yes I was there too,lovely to see BBMF over Kenley,seeing/hearing the 3 a/c was quite emotive 🙂
rgds baz
By: The Bump - 28th June 2011 at 15:59
I was glad I finally went to a BBMF Kenley flypast, the great British public were on their best behaviour too!
By: waghorn41 - 26th June 2011 at 19:11
Thanks for the reminder of the Kenley memorial, time I went down there. My uncle flew with 615 Squadron from there in 1941.
By: Peter D Evans - 26th June 2011 at 18:10
Couldn’t agree more with the last comment Septic… its not as if there isn’t plenty of scope for a museum with the amount of available land. Perhaps part of the old Station HQ building could be converted?
Cheers
Pete
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June 26, 2011 at 5:29 pm