I had my first flight ever from Burnaston in the rear seat of an Auster Autocrat - the year was 1957 and my father, Hector, was the pilot with my mother in the front also - I think she was more nervous than I was!
I also recall attending an air display there as a child when a Miles Magister flicked off a low level steep turn whilst "balloon bursting" killing the solo pilot. This happened right in front of the crowd line but it did not put me off flying but it was a salutary lesson which I have never forgotten!
Whenever I drive past the Toyota factory I mourn the loss of Burnaston!