QUESTERS VISIT TO BOSCOMBE DOWN AIRCRAFT COLLECTION :

04 SEPTEMBER 2024

   

Sixteen Questers gathered at Old Sarum Airfield to view their collection; it was emphasized that it was not a museum because we were encouraged to touch the exhibits and sit in the cockpits of some exhibits.  The group initially listened to a lecture from one of the managers explaining the origins of the collection which all required the provenance of being the actual planes tested at RAF Boscombe Down for aspects of aero safety, flight development or type approval for the services. This activity started at Boscombe Down airfield in 1939.

The collection started when old planes which had completed their test programmes were placed in a dumping area which was periodically cleared by scrap merchants, and this practice was stopped by a far-sighted senior officer who could see that these planes would make the basis of a unique collection.  The collection is entirely maintained by volunteers who (mostly) have had many years’ experience of working at Boscombe Down either flying or maintaining/modifying some of the planes. The collection covers (mostly) the development of jet powered flight. It follows that they had a comprehensive knowledge of the collection.

   

Mention should also be made of the mechanical skills of some of the volunteers who have fully renovated some of the exhibits, constructed a replica WW1 era DH 2E and constructed the nose cone of a WW2 Lancaster bomber, amongst  other projects.  The collection also included quite a few RR engines and other component parts.

This is a gem of a collection dating from the period when British companies led the world in advanced powered flight; and really needs to be seen to be appreciated.

   

Norma Bryan

 

  ANTON U3A QUESTERS

VISIT TO TWYFORD WATERWORKS

SUNDAY 06 0CTOBER 2024

A visit is planned to the Twyford Waterworks on Sunday 06 October 2024.

Twyford Waterworks is an Edwardian pumping station containing a unique selection of buildings and machinery within a rural downland setting in the heart of Hampshire. The first well was completed in 1898 and operations had commenced by 1900. The site was given the status of a Scheduled Ancient Monument in 1973.

The main buildings present a coherent set of high-quality public works buildings of the early twentieth century. The older sections have escaped demolition and thus a complete series of steam, diesel, separate d.c. motors and modern submersible electric pumps is still available for the public to view and, in many cases, see in operation.

We will be taken on a 1 to 1 ½ hour guided tour of the site and see many of the machines in operation. The guide will explain the history and operations of this major historic Hampshire water supply facility. The tour will commence when the gates open at 11:00.

This will be a self-drive visit and the site is about a 30-minute drive from Andover. It is located at Hazeley Road, Twyford, Hampshire SO21 1QA.

Most of the site is located on flat terrain and is fully accessible. Two portions are, however, accessed up some steps. There is seating in the Discovery Zone where an audio-visual tour of the site plays.

There is a tearoom on site and an outdoor BBQ will be in operation.

Suitable, comfortable footwear is essential for this activity. Please also bring weather suitable clothing as we will be outdoors for parts of the tour.

The cost of the visit is £6 per person which includes entry ticket and the guided tour of the venue. It does not include lunch and other refreshments.

Final details will follow nearer the date, but in the meantime all members who wish to join this visit should advise the organiser :

Cecil Rose     cecilrose1@gmail.com            0794 336 3350

Payment to be made to the Treasurer at

Anton U3A (Business Account)                         Sort code 40-08-28                            Account 7158 7986

As a reference, please indicate what the payment is for and follow this with your membership number.

Eg         Twyford 36 & 37

Your number is shown on your membership card for 2024/25 – if you do not have this, please contact the Membership Secretary or Treasurer.

 

Images and some text from Twyford Waterworks Trust website.

Monday,  23 September 2024       

Coates English Willow Centre, Stoke St Gregory, Taunton, TA3 6HY  (www.coatesenglishwillow.co. uk)

Questers will be taking a Minibus trip to the Somerset Levels to a family run business which has been growing and weaving willow for over 200 years. We will meet at Wickes around 8.30 am and return about 5.30 pm. The cost will be £16 for minibus; guided tour of the Willow Centre, and admission to the museum. Lunches are available in the Lemon Tree Café. If time and weather permit there are trails to see where the withies grow and a living willow sculpture.

There was a good response when the trip was announced at the meeting on 10^th July, so others interested in joining  should contact Chris Coffin at KRISKOFF@GMAIL.COM . He will let you know whether there is a place available or not. The £16 should be paid by bank transfer in the usual way, with WILLOW  and your membership number in the reference.

All seats taken (waiting list open)

Chris Coffin