Bit of thread creep so apologies, From 1969 I lived in a new development just off set from the southern end of the runway. There was no aerial activity when my parents bought the house nor for a while afterwards. So we were all somewhat surprised when one day a VC 10 took off no more than 200 metres away. Four Conways at full tilt certainly grabs your attention.
It maybe folklore but I was told they had to fly out with nothing in them to make the hop to Wisley for fit out.