Okay, I know I’m probably going to get some earache over this, but let’s just say that Driffield is preserved. What as? Representing what? What’s so special about Driffield?

RB

The 68 married quarters can be restored and sold to first time buyers. This might still happen. The eight accommodation blocks can be converted into 48 spacious flats. There is enough space between these accommodation blocks and the officer’s mess to build extra houses. The officer’s mess itself can be restored and used as a hotel or residential home or offices (public or private sector).

The hangars are already owned by a private company and are safe (leased) for at least another ten years. The technical site is the problem area. Some buildings can be reused (MT Section, Main Stores, Engineering Block, etc), but a number of other buildings will go. You could build around 12 new business units. Job Done. The Guardroom, SHQ and SSQ are currently still being used by the MoD (ACF and ATC).

What is so special about Driffield? Nothing. Question: What is so special about most aerodromes? Most have comparable histories and it is impossible to clearly define the importance of one aerodrome over another – unless you employ mathematics and a finite point scoring system. Basically it’s impossible to be objective in a subjective world. I could write reams explaining why Driffield is more important than Finningley or Waddington, while someone else could write a 50 word rebuttal, detailing that my arguments are flawed.

135 – better than a kick in the teeth. Many thanks everyone.

I received telephone call from the AHB this morning. The MoD’s photograph collection, as held by the AHB, is not open to the public. I understand that they have contact prints or sheets bound in books, but visitors are not allowed access. They no longer provide a print service, where you once could order enlargements, but they do offer a scanning service – £10 for the first scan and £5 each thereafter – JPEGs or TIFFs burned onto the CD.

Now this is where is gets interesting. As you are not allowed to access their archive in person, you can only secure a scanned copy if you provide (I’m not making this up) a copy of the photograph (or negative number) for them to search for their own copy of the photograph to scan. They are unable to provide a photocopy of any index card or photographic contact sheet or enlargement.

Basically it’s pot luck. You write to them asking if they have any images from such ‘n’ such squadron or airfield and ask them to scan what they have £5 per go. The good news is that the AHB will be transferring part of their collection to the IWM.

It’s a real shame that the AHB isn’t more open to the public as I’m sure that income generated from print sales and increased awareness of RAF History would have benefitted a lot of people.

Signed – Surely those Type C – Hipped 10? bay hangars are worthy of some sort of presevation order in their own right. I wish you the very best of luck, Mr Rhodes.

Thank you for signing my petition – the other buildings are in danger – 68 married quarters, which one developer is more than prepared to restore and sell to first time buyers. There are also eight accommodation blocks, which can be converted into spacious flats. The officer’s mess can be used for a variety of new uses. The technical site is problematic, but I wouldn’t write off all of the concrete buildings.

This is where I get a bit emotional. All those who served at Driffield came and went – for them Driffield was home for a few years. Former RAF Driffield has been my spiritial home 34 years. Even though I left in 1978, its always been part of me and its history is part of me. I just dont know why no one locally cares. What have I dont to upset so many people. Is it me? it’s can’t be those who served at Driffield. I just don’t know what to do?

Phillip Rhodes