Could be. It’s certainly an interesting looking building though.

EDIT – yep, you’re right Creaking Door – it’s a crease in the photo!

Peter,

Many thanks for that – much appreciated.

Chris

I’ve just e-mailed a friend who lives in the area so I’m sure we’ll find out, one way or t’other!

Chris

Perhaps the crux of this thread is not so much what was displayed on 28DL but how some of those involved seemed to go about it. It’s been mentioned above that some of their behavior could be having a detrimental effect on those of us who go out and indeed ask – even a bit of simple door-knocking goes a really long way! We have met some wonderfully helpful people who either own or lease disused airfields and many are very interested. Others will point you in the right direction to ask. This is what seems to have been missing from some of the 28DL reports, with examples of strange times of day getting onto sites and thinking it clever to have been “busted”. There just seems to have a been, in certain circumstances, a disregard for the rights of entry to the properties involved.

I admit, there has been some very good information to come out of 28DL and it’s a pity that the forum, as such, could not have encouraged “genuine” research and recording, tying it in with the written historical record.

I know 1 Group and REF very well, as we regularly go out together but our main is to record – legally – what is left, as it is a part of our heritage which disappearing all too quickly.

Could bang on but won’t. Suffice to say that I’m split 50/50 about it ceasing trading, as it were.

Chris

Felt it quite well thank you very much! Put Radio 5 on for Up All Night and it was all over it. It’s quite unnerving to actually HEAR it. Ironically, the BGS web site had crashed! The USGS web site was useful (http://earthquake.usgs.gov/eqcenter/recenteqsww/Quakes/us2008nyae.php#news), as is the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre web site (http://www.emsc-csem.org/index.php?page=current&sub=detail&id=79520#). Scared the $h1t out of me! Didn’t do the cat much good either. Like many of the neighbours, lights were coming on and people looking out windows. Burglar alarms were going off all over the place and it certainly woke the birds up!

Chris

Edit – an aftershock was recorded by the BGS at about 04:00 AM according to their spokesman being interviewed on 5Live.

Hi Gingie,

Just helping out mate. If anything is wrong (which it might well be) let us know. Be interesting to know the full history behind them!

Interesting to see the C-17’s u/c is down and the cargo doors open though.

That crater shot looks like a typical Sheffield road!

Chris

It has to be said that unfortunately there is a certain, probably minor element, of so-called “urban explorers” who do tend to push it rather a lot. There have been instances where they seem to take great delight in their reports in explaining how they have evaded the security of some sites, not just airfields.

1Group is correct. Whenever we go out we either have prior permission or at the very least, go door-knocking or seek out someone. If we’re told “no”, then so be it, we make do with long shots. If we’re allowed anywhere, we clarify the places we can and cannot go. Thus, everyone is happy.

Sadly it is the antics of a small percentage of people who persist in such activities which tend to tar those who have a genuine interest with the same brush. Long before I was aware of urban exploration web sites, when I started Airfield Archaeology, I placed a disclaimer on the front page. Those who 1Group mention have done the same. We go to great lengths to make sure we behave responsibly, with care and respect for landowners and their property. Indeed, asking around has led to us to meet some fascinating people who have been of great help; friendly and willing to share a little of their time and in some cases, show us around their airfield buildings, etc. It’s even nicer when you are offered a cup of tea! I would like to publicly thank them here and now (not just for the tea either!).

A couple of people have mentioned curiosity in some of the posts. Yes, I suppose it is but isn’t that what history is about? However, it isn’t difficult to satisfy that curiosity in a sensible manner. After all, may of the excellent books on the subject might not have come to be written.

Chris