My association starts with being at school alongside Croydon airport from 60 to 65, and getting the aviation bug. I did not train spot but moved to aviation instead, travelling to LHR or LGW. Unable somehow to get into aviation,
I did arrive in Staines to live just as the PI accident had taken place. I did work at Northside from 75 to 81, and had access to all areas.
My first flight from LHR was in 76, and it took over 40 yrs before my first pax go around inbound on 09L AE from Dublin. I also had a jump seat on a BMA DC 9 from Teeside and on BA 747 - 300 inbound from Chicago. Visited both towers to the top. Close friends with retired and current pilots, and ATC staff.
Got my PPL eventually aged #&. I organised the start for the memorial for PI in 2000+ via pprune and local folk.
LHR still by home airport.