Hold progress for the armchair has-beens!!!
At 47 you're not exactly 'up-and-coming' yourself Gnd.
Speaking as someone who grew up on air bases (inlcuding Brize, although before the C-130s were transferred there) and so has an understanding of noise issues, I personally had no problem with the almost constant sound of aircraft movements. In fact, being a bit of a spotter I positively welcomed it.
However, I don't think it's fair to dismiss as a NIMBY anyone who may feel differently. Living on this cramped and somewhat over-populated island, noise is something that affects a great many people and can seriously impact the quality of their lives.
Just saying "Well, you knew there was an airport there before you moved..." isn't good enough as there are very few places that aren't within earshot of one source of noise or another. Indeed, you'd have thought the Cotswolds would be on of the few places you
could go to get some peace and quiet.