In my dog-eared note book for 5th July 1971 I have the following WZ662 and XK406 Auster AOP9 outside at Towgoods (sic) Caravans.

That backs up what is in Leslie Hunt’s book. Sometime after this XR267 moved from the other site and replaced WZ662 when that was obtained by SWAPS? I dont know its all too confusing….? 🙂

But then in the same publication XK406 is quoted as being back in the village!
(Oww, thought about that too).

I’ve spoken to the local Parish Council and they cant recollect the aeroplanes at all, but they have their main meeting next week and will make more enquiries then and at the same time contact the garage and see if they can shed any light on the matter. I’m sure someone will recollect the Austers or the Swift being present.

As to Mr Addicott, I never realised that he built a number of cars in the sixties (hopefully in Congresbury). For more information have a look at:

http://www.minijem.plus.com/dart/index.html

and at:

http://www.minimarcos.org.uk/mmhdt.html

Best wishes,

Martin

The suggestion that the second aircraft was XK406 rather than XR267 also ties in with my memory from 1972/73.

I still haven’t located my spotting notes from that period but I will be attacking the attic tonight.

Should have made things clearer, according to Mr Hunt XK406 was still at Congresbury in 1974, but then that might be incorrect.

I tried spotting once and then went to a PFA fly-in at Cranfield and couldnt be bothered. Couldnt see what to do with the numbers when I returned home. Havent been in possession of a pen or pad since 🙂

Martin

I’ve found a little out about the Austers in Congresbury:

WZ662 was issued to 19MU on July 30th 1965 and was declared a non effective airframe on November 8th 1968. Sold to Dizzie Addicott on 15th October 1969 and in turn sold to Toogoods for display outside their garage. (date unknown). At a later date this was swapped with another Auster and moved to Wales with SWAPS.

XR267 was sent to 19MU on June 3rd 1966 and became non-effective on November 8th 1968. On October 15th 1969 it again was bought by Mr Addicott and moved with WZ662 to Holders Garage at Congresbury. Moved to Toogoods for display. Later was with the Skyfame Museum and now being restored to flying condition.

In Leslie Hunts 1974 Vintage and Veteran Aircraft it is stated that XK406 was at the garage then. Perhaps this is one of the unidentified Mk.9s in the photos?

The same publication also states that three AOP.9s were at another Caravan Sales establishment at Blandford Forum in Dorset these being XN412, XR237 and the above mentioned XR267 (which cant of course have been in two places at the same time). All I have to do now is to try and find out if all five Austers were at Congresbury!!

Martin

Looking at the photo of the Swift here and from what I can remember from the photos yesterday, it looks like its the same sort of date judging by the cars in the photo. I’ve emailed a local history group to see if they can share any information with us. Thanks to all for taking the time to reply…it is so much appreciated.

Martin

Further to a previous posting it looks like both XR267 and WZ662 were both displayed outside Toogoods Caravan Sales establishment. Wherever that was of course?

Here are a few recent photos taken when on rebuild.

Martin