I had a cracking time at Benson in the late '70's. The Shepherds Hut, The Farmers Man etc etc Many a jolly jape.
One in particular. The Oxford Mail were reporting big time about the closing of Oxford Jail. Gripes about overcrowding, Victorian accommodation and so on.
Coincidentally, the chain link fencing around the airfield was being replaced.
Self and pal, drinking in the bar at The Shepherds Hut were asked about the fencing renewal. We couldn't resist. "All because of Oxford nick being closed. Lock, stock and barrel of the prisoners are being transferred to Benson as it's being run down". we responded.
The locals went ballistic. Letters to MP's, questions to the Home Secretary, letters to MoD.
Whoops. We had to drink in the Skinny Dog until the uproar quietened down.
Happy Days.