Indeed a terrible waste of real estate, and, ironically, IIRC the base would still be open if the "locals" hadn't complained about the proposed KC-135 wing that was due to go to GC instead of Fairford. So, no noisy tankers equals fewer local dollars being spent, a bucketload of buckets and hot & cold running lesbian peaceniks. Was the thought of KC135s really that bad?
On the subject of the SR-71 "decorated" by the Smellys, apparently the crew did a usual airshow departure on the Monday, just orientated slightly differently - ie over the camp. Seemed that an SR-71 on it's a**e at max burner caused a bit of a "disturbance" to the peace camp...
I can remember flying over it in a Bulldog with Beags back in the early 90's and getting that spooky feeling that you've just bonged somewhere - and it was great sport using the area for Wingovers and quickstops in the Chinook.