Billing airfield,Northampton

I was an ATCA at Luton (when the terminal building was a wooden shed) in 1964/65 and Chrisair was a regular user; they were certainly based at Sywell then. I remember the Dragon as G-ADDH but my memory isn’t as reliable as it was. Chris’ (Roberts) managed the business and his wife Claire was the pilot. At that time they were aspiring to become a ligitimate airline. Again, I can’t rely on my memory over some 50 years but I think Claire might have been ex-ATA. She was tall and quite statue-esq, always flying in a black leather flying suite and boots. It would not surprise me to learn that Honor Blackman had used her as the template for Cathy Gale (The Avengers) and Pussy Galore in Goldfinger. There were very few women flying in those days and the men, especially the Euravia and Autair pilots tried to take the mickey but Claire gave at least as good as got.

Claire Roberts was a Captain on Heralds with BAF during my time there in the late 1970s. She was a indeed a very elegant and charming lady-who would probably have been in her mid fifties at that time? I would have little doubt guessing that she would have been the same lady by the description.

I hate spending money too, but you really ought to update your chart. 🙂

Moggy

Yup, BILLING on my 1957 half-million chart.

I was an ATCA at Luton (when the terminal building was a wooden shed) in 1964/65 and Chrisair was a regular user; they were certainly based at Sywell then. I remember the Dragon as G-ADDH but my memory isn’t as reliable as it was. Chris’ (Roberts) managed the business and his wife Claire was the pilot. At that time they were aspiring to become a ligitimate airline. Again, I can’t rely on my memory over some 50 years but I think Claire might have been ex-ATA. She was tall and quite statue-esq, always flying in a black leather flying suite and boots. It would not surprise me to learn that Honor Blackman had used her as the template for Cathy Gale (The Avengers) and Pussy Galore in Goldfinger. There were very few women flying in those days and the men, especially the Euravia and Autair pilots tried to take the mickey but Claire gave at least as good as got.

Yes please, I’m sure there are many on here who would love to see them including me.

Apparently Charles used to fly the Linnells Messenger, although not in 1936:rolleyes: I would imagine it would have been a DH60 ??
I agree this should be recorded in the Sywell Aviation Museum, i will see Ben Brown tommorow night and mention it. Facinating stuff:)

I went to the Northamptonshire library record office today . Limited time as in a working lunch. Reviewed the book “600 Years of the Mackaness family in Northamptonshire”. Brief mention that John and Charles operated a light aircraft(no type mentioned)at Billing from 1936 to 1953. Billing was used for pleasure flights for ten shillings a flight. It became a licensed airfield code EGBA to allow landing visiting aircraft. The Mackaness family were involved with sand and gravel extraction known as Mixconcrete Ltd.
When I have more time I intend to carry on research in the library and visit the Mackaness family at Billing House,as there must be family records.

Any further help or details appreciated as I would like to see this recorded at the Sywell Aviation Museum.

not in 1936 :diablo:

Roger Smith

I belive it was a Messenger.

Blue Max and Chris Parker . The Mackaness family sold the Aquadrome in 2006 to Park Leisure . There is a book called “600 Years of The Mackaness family ” I will try to look up in Northampton library/record office next week . I wonder what aircraft Charles flew there in 1936 A Gipsy or Puss Moth ? Thanks for your help and input . Anybody out there can assist further please ?

Er, i wasnt. I think my post crossed with yours. Chris also mentioned it was marked on the aeronautical map. He was going to try and fish a map out with it marked. I have never heard mention of No6 EFTS using it.

It was a strip or meadow I have not quoted a full blown airfield but still an airfield it does not have to have hangars or a control tower does it ? Lets find out its history not argue over airstrip v airfield ?

Speaking to Chris Parker today he says that there was a strip at Billing but not a full blown Airfield!! He also was nor aware of the Chrisair Dragon ever opperating from there. I certainly remember the Dragon at Sywell, when it was sold Dad moved into its old hangar. There was some workshops and offices in the back and painted markings on the floor to make sure the Dragon went in in the right place!!!:D

There was a private air strip at Billing Aquadrome used by the Mackaness family notably Charles circa 1936 of Billing House,Great Billing ( their business was in quarrying). It was on a 40 acre meadow on Home Farm later known as the Flying Field. Its precise location is between Willow Lake and the River Nene,adjacent to Billing Mill and the locks. Later the air-strip was used for pleasure flights notably Chrisair using DH Dragon G-ADDI. By 1964 the site was overtaken by caravans and campers.It is possible that post war use was made by No.6 Reserve Flying School using Tiger Moths from Sywell.
Do not confuse this site with the airfield at Denton further to the South. If you look at any 1950 aeronautical chart Billing is marked at 170 ft AMSL. Poorly recorded and documented anybody further details please ?

Having had a (difficult) chat to my father, it may well have been Sywell, or even Abingdon where I first flew in G-ADDI. Billing was a popular place back in the 1960s though! 🙂

That is a different kettle of aquadromes!

Laurence

Sorry, it wasn’t Sywell?
G-ADDI, Chrisair, 1964, Sywell
http://www.abpic.co.uk/images/images/1001075F.jpg

Billing was one of our favourites places in the 1950s, but I never saw any aviation activity.

Laurence

Presume might have been a strip at Billing Acquadrome?

Ready-made supply of customers at this attraction.

Roger Smith.

I think thats exactly what it was. My flight in G-ADDI would have been around 1966 / 1967 and Billing Aquadrome was a regular family trip out. I must find those photos now!

Presume might have been a strip at Billing Acquadrome?

Ready-made supply of customers at this attraction.

Roger Smith.