How would you compare it to stations like Chivenor?
Having served at both during the 1970s, I would say that St Mawgan had a more cosmopolitan feel to it since it was frequently visited by Dutch, Canadians, Americans (who were also based there) and by many detachments of RAF Squadrons. It was a fabulous place, had a great little gliding club, a good radio station and some of the best scenery in the UK on the doorstep (when you could see it, someone here referred to 'gale force fog'). The Air Days were superb. 'Sevenair' (7 Sqn Canberras) would take you for a trip almost whenever you wanted. Newquay was fun, especially when it filled with tottie in the summer and dinner in the Red Lion was always a treat.
Chivenor on the other hand was much smaller and operated at a more frenetic pace, generating many more sorties per day than St. Mawgan. Station facilities were pretty basic, which pulled people together and made for excellent camaraderie. Barnstaple had good night life and some nice eateries.
Both fondly remembered and sadly missed.