Upavon Gallops:
That brings back many memories of happy days attacking the Gallops with the Whistling Wheelbarrow (otherwise known as the HS Argosy). I seem to remember that the flints on the strip used to cause problems with the tyres.
I went over there one day with my new boss to check him out for strip landings. After a couple of landings, I got out and made my way to the runway caravan for a cup of tea while he went off on his own.
I was watching the boss's first approach through the binoculars when I suddenly saw a red flashing light in the lea of the row of trees by the road on very short finals. The red light was attached to an Army Scout helicopter which was just about to get airborne right in front of the boss!
It was too late for anyone to do anything. Luckily, the Scout got airborne just miliseconds after the Argosy passed over the top. It transpired that the Scout and crew had been camped-out for the night and were so well hidden that nobody knew they were there!