Some friends of mine visited Panshanger last weekend by road. They had the same experience as described in the original post. On their way from the car park to the clubhouse to ask someone if they could take some photos, they were intercepted by this guy, told they werent welcome and to get back in their car and get off his airfield.
There was no discussion, he was just adamant that aircraft enthusiasts werent welcome, so get lost. A suggestion that with many airfields under threat and enthusiasts often being asked to write in and support the airfield, maybe he should re- consider his stance. His answer was "I will never need your help". My freinds comment to me was that they had never met such an arrogant git in his life.
I heard this guy on the radio one day when I was doing some training at Bristol and he was on his way to an aerobatic contest in Wales. Weather totally inappropriate for VFR, he seemed to be struggling and was totally incompetant on the radio.
Panshanger wont be on my list of favourite places to go.