As noted there have been many Barton threads over the past years. One to have a look at is
this thread. It is dated in places, but is worth another read, as many of the comments and observations remain valid, and several events which were rumoured have now come to pass.
Sam-Man I suggest you explain yourself better in future, otherwise you could be deemed to be making unscrupulous accusations against an existing flying club, which is far from being 'bump'. The
LAC web site will tell you more.
LAC is now a closed membership list consisting of around 325 paid up members, each having paid £50 for 2007 membership and free landings at certain airfields which have been negotiated and paid for by LAC. The vast majority of rejoining members have joined in the hope of (1) getting a share out of the half million pounds in the bank, or (2) using the money to acquire a new site from which to operate. It is well known that Stretton is high on the list, as are other potential new grass field sites, the locations of which are not being divulged, as the owners of Barton have informed LAC directors that they will object to the establishment of any new venues, hence the secrecy.
The LAC Flying School was sold in March 07, and now trades totally independent of LAC (the aero club). Mr Carr's '
LAC Flying School' trades as such, with the same staff and aircraft fleet which he also purchased from LAC. Ravenair purchased the airfield's maintenance organisation from LAC. At the same time
Ravenair took on the lease of the former LAC clubhouse building. This building now houses the Ravenair Flying School and also continues as the airfield's restaurant, which is available for public use with appropriate alcohol licences for public sales (before it was a licence for alcoholic sales to LAC members only, which was a bone of contention, as noted on several threads).
It is essential that people now understand that Lancashire Aero Club, (LAC) is just that. i.e. a large group of members, with their own aircraft or group share owners (most based at Barton, some elsewhere). The Lancashire Aero Club does not own any aircraft, it no longer has a flying training school (see above), it no longer has any leases on property at Barton - again read the LAC web site. Whether LAC resurrects itself in the coming years at a new location is another seemingly never ending wait and see story. Hopefully the oldest flying club in the country will continue, and from a new airfield.