BIGGIN HILL AIRPORT UPDATE – IMPORTANT – The Council will sit again on 25th March (Scrutiny Committee) and 27th March (Executive) at 7.00pm to review operations at the airport. For the first time in eight years the report submitted by officers for councillors’ consideration shows understanding and, importantly, acknowledgement of the main issues (most of them). However, yet again, the report proves that the Council is unwilling to show any teeth against its tenant, who has clearly been a recalcitrant party at the negotiating table. After six months, none of the Council’s requests has been accepted by BHAL and what is it proposed that the Council do? The proposal is to give BHAL yet more unquantified time of “business as usual” while residents are expected to suffer more summers of hell. Unless councillors decide to impose sanctions (the Council has legal means to challenge the Airport), what incentive will BHAL have to accede to the Council’s requests? We are all tired and mistrustful of Bromley Council, but let us acknowledge that, after eight years, it has at last started to face the issues. THAT IS ONLY DOWN TO PUBLIC PRESSURE. Therefore, please do not give up now. Write to your ward councillors, copying airport.monitoring@bromley.gov.uk, expressing a strong request that sanctions be imposed on BHAL if they do not co-operate within a short deadline. Please attend the public meetings, particularly the one on 25th March (7.00pm, Council Chamber at the Civic Centre in Stockwell Close, BR1 3UH) but, if you can’t, that meeting is also live-streamed at www.bromley.gov.uk/councilmeetingslive. Click on the link at 7.00 pm and it should come alive. Although we have all had enough of empty words, it is important to continue to exercise pressure and ask for ACTION. The link will allow you to follow proceedings without skipping dinner, or worrying about putting the children to bed, or sitting on hard benches. The Council will be able to see the number of viewers. If you want to read the full report that will be discussed, you will find it at pages 133 to 166 of https://cds.bromley.gov.uk/documents/g7635/Public%20reports%20pack%20Wednesday%2027-Mar-2024%2019.00%20Executive.pdf?T=10.
Do not give up!

BIGGIN HILL AIRPORT UPDATE – IMPORTANT – The Council will sit again on 25th March (Scrutiny Committee) and 27th March (Executive) at 7.00pm to review operations at the airport. For the first time in eight years the report submitted by officers for councillors’ consideration shows understanding and, importantly, acknowledgement of the main issues (most of them). However, yet again, the report proves that the Council is unwilling to show any teeth against its tenant, who has clearly been a recalcitrant party at the negotiating table. After six months, none of the Council’s requests has been accepted by BHAL and what is it proposed that the Council do? The proposal is to give BHAL yet more unquantified time of “business as usual” while residents are expected to suffer more summers of hell. Unless councillors decide to impose sanctions (the Council has legal means to challenge the Airport), what incentive will BHAL have to accede to the Council’s requests? We are all tired and mistrustful of Bromley Council, but let us acknowledge that, after eight years, it has at last started to face the issues. THAT IS ONLY DOWN TO PUBLIC PRESSURE. Therefore, please do not give up now. Write to your ward councillors, copying airport.monitoring@bromley.gov.uk, expressing a strong request that sanctions be imposed on BHAL if they do not co-operate within a short deadline. Please attend the public meetings, particularly the one on 25th March (7.00pm, Council Chamber at the Civic Centre in Stockwell Close, BR1 3UH) but, if you can’t, that meeting is also live-streamed at www.bromley.gov.uk/councilmeetingslive. Click on the link at 7.00 pm and it should come alive. Although we have all had enough of empty words, it is important to continue to exercise pressure and ask for ACTION. The link will allow you to follow proceedings without skipping dinner, or worrying about putting the children to bed, or sitting on hard benches. The Council will be able to see the number of viewers. If you want to read the full report that will be discussed, you will find it at pages 133 to 166 of https://cds.bromley.gov.uk/documents/g7635/Public%20reports%20pack%20Wednesday%2027-Mar-2024%2019.00%20Executive.pdf?T=10.
Do not give up!

Unable to attend his meeting!

Flightpath Watch was notified yesterday by Bromley Council that Biggin Hill Airport Ltd (BHAL) has applied to change the Permitted User Clause of the Lease to include the acceptance of fare-paying passengers.

At present only flights chartered for business use, private flying and a few other minor categories are permitted. The introduction of fare-paying passengers will, without any doubt, increase the number of large aircraft and could very likely be the precursor to the introduction of scheduled flights, with the associated changes in local infrastructure.

For your information, the promised 50,000 cap on movements cannot be applied going forward because the language used by the Council to define it totally negates its applicability after the first five years. The noise parameters approved by the Council are also unhelpful because they are based on average measures over 16-hour periods, including periods of silence.

It also needs to be noted that BHAL has so far failed to respect certain important aspects of the NAP (Noise Action Plan) and the MIL (Management Information Letter). Any further concessions to the terms of the Lease would therefore be unreasonable.

This application is as serious for residents as the application to increase the operating hours at the airport in 2014. Because of lockdown, over the past year we have not been seeing the full effect of the increase in operating hours and BHAL is now making more demands.

Residents need to react quickly to lodge objections because the application will be discussed at the meeting of the Council Executive on 26th May 2021. This short timeline is probably due to the BHAL’s threat to take the Council to a Tribunal if the request is not approved by 2nd June 2021.

The request to carry fare-paying passengers was successfully fought off by the Council at the High Courts in 2002. It was also rejected in 2011 when some loosening was requested on the occasion of the Olympics.

Informal advice given to us in 2015 stated that the Property Law clause BHAL is now trying to use with reference to “the Tribunal” cannot be applied in the case of Biggin Hill airport because of its connection with a local authority and not a private landlord.

Nevertheless, we have seen the Council become progressively more and more biased towards the Airport and we cannot underestimate the seriousness of this threat, particularly in the absence of an effective 50,000 cap on flights.

Please write to your councillors as soon as possible and certainly by 23rd May 2021, with a copy to the Leader of the Council, who will chair the meeting of the Executive next week, to express your objections in the firmest possible terms. Reasons to be given can be derived from our comments above. For instance: the Permitted User Clause is fundamental to the Lease as originally granted with the aim of protecting local residents the 50,000 cap had a 5 year limit which will soon expire
the longer operating hours have already attracted large and low-flying aircraft over residential areas the NAP and the MIL are not being complied with in certain important parts and no more concessions should be considered in the current circumstances residents are being discriminated against in net favour of the Airport, or any other expression of how increased activity at the Airport would affect you.

The email address of the Leader of the Council is: Colin.smith@bromley.gov.uk and you will find your councillors at the following link:
https://cds.bromley.gov.uk/mgMemberIndex.aspx?bcr=1

You can also help by cascading this information to your neighbours, friends or local organisations who you think will be affected if the Council agrees to this change.

Please do not put this off. Drop a few lines now just addressing those issues that affect you.

Thank you for your help

Flightpath Watch Ltd

VE Day 2020: Britons celebrate 75th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day

• Queen’s VE Day anniversary message to Britain: ‘Never give up, never despair’ ​
• How to celebrate VE Day from home
• How Princesses Elizabeth and Margaret celebrated VE Day in 1945
• VE Day 2020 celebrations, in pictures
• ​’Advance, Britannia!’ How Winston Churchill’s speeches enraptured his nation
• ‘I’ve always been an optimist’: Interview with Captain Tom Moore

The nation came together, even when forced apart by lockdown, to remember the end of war in Europe and mark 75 years since VE Day.

The Queen said the message of VE Day is “never give up, never despair”, remembering the sacrifices of the Second World War generation in a poignant speech. 

She said their lasting legacy “is that countries who were once sworn enemies are now friends, working side by side for the peace, health and prosperity of us all”.

Despite swathes of events and swarming parades being cancelled because of the coronavirus lockdown, the UK found ways to come together to pay tribute to those who served in the era-defining global conflict.

The day began with a national two minute silence at 11am, which gave Britons the opportunity to pause and reflect, remembering the lives lost and sacrifices made in wartime.

Then the RAF’s Red Arrows also roared over parts of the UK, in a special flypast to mark the anniversary.

Following the Queen’s speech, people were invited to open their doors and windows and take part in singalong of Dame Vera Lynn’s “We’ll Meet Again”, which has once again become a symbol of hope for Britons during the coronavirus pandemic.

Thank you and goodnight 

Despite swathes of events and swarming parades being cancelled because of the coronavirus lockdown, the UK still found ways to come together for the 75th anniversary of VE Day.

Before we sign off for the night, here is a round-up of how people across the nation honoured those who served in the Second World War.

‘Never give up, never despair’

The Queen reminded Britain to “never give up, never despair” in a moving message to mark the 75th anniversary of VE Day, speaking with pride to a nation she said Second World War heroes would still “recognise and admire”.

The monarch, who delivered a special address at 9pm – just as her father had done at the end of fighting in Europe – said she “vividly” remembered the “jubilant scenes” that had marked triumph after the bleak uncertainty of war.

As the nation commemorated the anniversary in lockdown amid the coronavirus crisis, she paid tribute to the strength, courage and sacrifice of so many who died for the freedom of others, saying: “We should and will remember them.”

Queen’s message resonates during lockdown

The Queen’s message to the nation as part of the VE Day anniversary celebrations will resonate with the public amid the coronavirus pandemic, a royal expert has said.

Joe Little, managing editor of Majesty magazine, said of the address: “This is as relevant today as it is for the occasion it’s commemorating 75 years ago.”

He added: “The Queen is the only surviving head of state to have served during the Second World War and this is an appropriate reaction to something that is so personal to her.”

The Queen tells of how the message on VE Day in 1945 was: “Never give up, never despair.”

“It very much resonates with the situation we find ourselves in right now,” Mr Little said. “There are some remarkable similarities, where the Queen says ‘Never give up, never despair’.

“That was the message of VE Day but really that message can be applied to the present day. So clearly that must be what she had in mind when this was being drafted.”

We’ll Meet Again

 Following the Queen’s address, people were invited to stand on their doorsteps and sing Dame Vera Lynn’s ‘We’ll Meet Again’. 

The song has once again become a symbol of hope for Britons during the coronavirus pandemic.

So tonight @OliverMcGrath decided to play We’ll Meet Again to our street after the queens speech and so many people came out into the street for a dance and a sing #VEDay #streetparty #wellmeetagain

WELCOME

When VE Day dawns on 8th May 2020 it will be 75 years since the guns fell silent at the end of the war in Europe. Years of carnage and destruction had come to an end and millions of people took to the streets and pubs to celebrate peace, mourn their loved – ones and to hope for the future, but not forgetting those still in conflict until 15th August when it was announced that Japan had surrendered unconditionally to the Allies, effectively ending World War II.

The 75th anniversary will provide our nation, and our friends around the world, with an opportunity to reflect on the enormous sacrifice, courage and determination of people from all walks of life who saw us through this dark and terrifying period. To commemorate this important time we are organising VE Day 75, a three-day international celebration that will take place from 8th May to 10th May 2020.

It will be an opportunity for us all to remember the enormous sacrifices that were made at home and abroad and to joyously celebrate as people did 75 years ago, the arrival of peace in Europe.

Stanhope Arms’ regulars in Brasted are currently attempting to buy the pub from current owners Greene King and run it as a community pub. As part of the process, a short online survey is currently open, to gauge the level of support for the venture and collect views on the kind of pub that people want to see.

Complete Survey

At the same time, the community group is looking to raise money to purchase the freehold and getting it ready to open for business through a community share issue. Anyone with an interest in the Stanhope – and with an interest in being a part-owner of a pub! – is welcome to complete the online survey. Anyone wanting more information, including about the share issue, is welcome to email the community group at  stanhopearmscommunitypubcic@gmail.com    The Stanhope Arms was part of the original Black Eagle Brewery’s pub estate until the brewery’s closure in 1965

Biggin Hill Festival of Flight 2019 – Saturday 17th to Sunday 18th August

Biggin Hill Airshow 2019 – Ticket Prices, Parking and History

WRITTEN BY BLINDINGLY OBVIOUS. 22 APRIL 2019 POSTED IN LATEST NEWS
https://www.blindinglyobvious.co.uk/latest-news/biggin-hill-airshow

Book your tickets now

If you want to book tickets right away and don’t want to scroll down to find a link, head on over to the official ticket sales website now.

About

Since the 1960s, the Biggin Hill airshow was a defining part of every summer for local residents and the skies were always filled with a huge variety of different aircraft.

At one time, The Biggin Hill International Air Show (or Biggin Hill Festival of Flight as it’s now known) was one of the biggest airshows in the world, and certainly the biggest one of its kind in Europe.  However, things came to an abrupt end in 2010 and the summer skies over Biggin Hill became much quieter as a result.

2014 resurrection

Fortunately, a much-needed resurrection took place in 2014, with a new, scaled-down version of the original classic air show and is now dubbed ‘The Biggin Hill Festival of Flight’.

Two years ago the show was a bit special as it was the airport’s centenary; it’s hard to believe that Biggin Hill has been around for over 100 years!

Another Centenary for 2018

Last year was the 100th Anniversary of the RAF.

The 2019 Biggin Hill Airshow

Now in its 6th year, the new event is still a must-see attraction for Kent residents and those prepared to travel from further afield. Originally scheduled for just one day, the new event now spans 2 days, covering 17th and 18th August 2019.

It was originally held around the end of June but has now been moved to later in the summer which will hopefully help with the weather, which hasn’t been particularly kind over the last few years.

Biggin Hill Prices / Entrance Fees – How much does it cost?

The sixth year of the show in its new guise now spans 2 days. The price this year for 2019 is the same as last year’s price and the standard ticket price is the same for either Saturday or Sunday. For those over 16 years of age, the ticket price (valid for 1 day only) is £23.50 as long as you book in advance. If you leave booking too late, you may have had to pay the non-discounted price, which we think will be in the region of £29. 

For kids under 15, the good news is that 2 of them can get in for free if they are with an adult (i.e. 2 kids free per 1 adult). Also be aware that no dogs are allowed (except for Guide Dogs for the blind / Assistance Dogs) but there is disabled parking (subject to availability).

Hospitality Packages

For those who can afford it, there are also child-friendly Hospitality Tickets and the gold package will include a vegetarian and vegan option. There will be a kids’ barbeque (ages 5-15), a sumptuous marquee with its own garden and a bar for the grown-ups. The Hospitality package includes a separate entrance and car park and also has executive toilets. 

What you get for your Hospitality will depend on the amount you pay. These types of tickets range from £25 (for kids  5-15 with the bronze package) up to £115 for an adult-only Sunday Gold ticket. Please be aware that these types of tickets are limited so it’s best to book early as they may well sell out before the date of the airshow.

Free parking?

In previous years’ free parking to Biggin Hill airfield has been included if you had a valid ticket, so you weren’t stung with any additional, unexpected costs when you turned up at the gate – We can’t confirm that this is the case this year so it may be wise to make your own enquiries prior to booking for 2018 if this is something that concerns you.

Warning! – Don’t turn up without a ticket

According to the official ticket website, you can’t gain access to the air show on the day without a valid ticket; they HAVE TO be bought in advance. 

Where can I buy tickets for the Biggin Hill Airshow?

If you head on over to the tickets website, there are full details of how to purchase your tickets online together with prices for the various packages.

What’s on for the 2019 Air Display? A list of Aircraft

RAF BBMF Dakota – Photo courtesy of Terry Ryder

So far, for 2019, quite a few have been confirmed (weather and technical stuff permitting). So far we’ve got:

• BBMF Spitfire (Mk TBC)
• Breitling Jets Flying Display
• The Blades
• Aerosuperbatics
• RAF Typhoon
• BBMF Dakota
• Bronco
• Extra Duo
• P47D Thunderbolt
• RAF Tucano
• BBMF Lancaster
• P51 Mustang
• BBMF Hurricane
• Turbulent Team
• Wing Walkers
• Royal Jordanian Falcons

If you want to keep your finger on the pulse and check for additions to the list above, head on over to the Biggin Hill Airshow 2019 page to check for any additions.

There was huge disappointment at the 2017 event when it was announced that aircraft with Merlin engines would not be appearing at both Biggin Hill and the Eastbourne Airshow. This was due to a fault being discovered with a single engine, leading to all of them being grounded. 

Last year’s line-up

• Spitfire Mk IX ‘Spirit of Kent’
• Red Arrows
• RAF Chinook
• Battle of Britain Memorial Flight
• OV10 Bronco
• Rich Goodwin Pitts Special
• Spitfire Mk IX MH434
• Hawker Hurricane
• Bristol Blenheim
• Spitfire PR MkXI

If you head on over to the British Airshows website, you can see the current list accompanied by thumbnail pictures of most of the aircraft that will be there in 2019.

History of Biggin Hill and the Airshow

Squadron Leader Jock Maitland had the bright idea of purchasing a lease to run Biggin Hill Airport from Bromley Council in 1958. A few years later in 1963, he started the Biggin Hill air show.

He’d already flown Sabres in Korea before retiring from the RAF and went on to start a small charter company to run pleasure flights from Ramsgate Airport in the late 50s and early 60s.

The Council takes over in 1988

The council privatised the airport in 1988 and it was subsequently bought by Biggin Hill Airport Ltd in 1994. A 25-year contract for the Biggin Hill Air Fair was then agreed upon.

Photo with kind thanks to Terry Ryder

Developments in 2010

Despite being due to run until 2013, the leaseholders cancelled the agreement 3 years before its natural expiry. At that time, the air show had been running for 47 years but this brought things to an abrupt halt.

Rising from the ashes

2014 saw the rebirth of a scaled-down version of the original event and was rebranded as the Biggin Hill Festival of Flight. Originally running for only single Saturday, it was limited to 15,000 spectators and was intended to showcase Biggin Hill’s historic past alongside its value as a modern, thriving airport for commercial customers.

The Red Arrows Will Not Be Appearing This Year 

Many of us living in Kent will be familiar with the sight of the Red Arrows flying over us several times throughout the summer months as they put on displays at various airshow throughout Kent, its neighbouring counties and indeed, the occasionally Central London celebration flypast.

They’re typically always one of the main attractions at many airshows and Biggin Hill is usually no exception. Unfortunately, due to touring America and Canada they will not be appearing this year. They appeared at the 2014 air fair and were also celebrating 50 years of their acrobatic air displays. It’s also worth mentioning that Biggin Hill was the location of their very first display way back in 1965.

Biggin Hill during World War Two

Biggin Hill was a well known and historic station for fighter planes in WW2 and it’s well known for its part in the world-renowned Battle of Britain. It stayed operational throughout the war despite being a main target for attack from mainland Europe. At the start of the war in 1939, a squadron from Biggin Hill shot down their first aircraft of WW2, a Dornier Do17.

Dear RAF Chapel Friends,

No doubt some of you have seen the recent publicity for the BHMM Museum on the television and in the press. I am sure the exhibits within the building are interesting, but the effects of this Museum project on the Chapel and the Garden of Remembrance have been catastrophic.

What has happened to the Garden of Remembrance over the last two weeks has been so upsetting for the ‘Friends of the Chapel’ who have cared for the gardens for decades, that they have been compelled to issue a statement to the public requesting their help to oppose the BHMM Trust’s actions.

The BHMM Trust have cut down the trees around the garden and now have demolished the wisteria-covered oak and brick Pergola/Arbour which extended across the rear of the garden, a feature of the Chapel since the 1950s, and was also within the consecrated area. Somehow during the demolition, the Sundial that stands at the front of the garden has been smashed. The ashes of several hundred RAF personnel are interred in the garden, which is therefore a Cemetery, but unbelievably the Trust have now erected a six foot high ugly signage Monolith in front of the Garden, directing the public to the Toilets and the Café through the consecrated ground which is no longer a defined area!

The Monolith was part of a planning application that has yet to be approved. This has been a distressing time for the ‘Friends’ and I urge everyone who has an interest in the Garden of Remembrance, particularly if they have relatives, or know of someone, interred in the garden, to email the ‘Friends’ at: stgeorgesrafchapel@gmail.com Everyone please click here and then scroll down to see all the latest photos of the garden and further information: https://www.facebook.com/Protect-Biggin-Hill-RAF-Chapel-1939582632926986/ As always, please share this message and encourage others to sign the petition so we in turn can support the ‘Friends of the Chapel’ to the best of our ability.

https://you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/protect-biggin-hill-st-george-s-raf-chapel-of-remembrance#

Yours, Rita Radford (rcr.knockholt@btinternet.com)

Rita Radford started this campaign on the 38 Degrees Campaigns by You website. If there’s an issue close to your heart that you’d like to start a petition on, you can start your petition here.