Dr.Jekyll...you're absolutely right, it would help if I'd looked at a map and noticed that the M6 goes East-West, (or vice-versa) in that area! I remember the airfield before it was built on being a large grass area but have just found that there was a hard runway, 23/05 Concrete 650x50yds. I believe the new BMW engine plant is not far from the old airfield boundary, just shows how times change!
Spiney