Control Towers In The Uk
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In my past life as I passed amongst you carbon-based lifeforms, I was a Greenham Common Commissioner. The GCC was a lively body, tasked with not wasting the then-newly-released GC airbase. The GCC was split 50/50ish between the folk like me who wanted to cautiously open up the resources, and the local residents, who regarded it as an extension of their own back gardens, and wanted the hoipolloi kept firmly away. (Hoipolloi roughly translates to 'not one of us')
I put forward a proposal to do a minimal refurb on the old Tower and turn it into a Visitors Centre showing the entire history of the Base. The sons and daughters of ex-USAF personnel had been known to take a keen interest in such projects; call me non-modest, but it seemed a better idea than just letting it rot.
Needless to say, the worthy rezzies shot the idea down; shame, really, anyone know if its been demolished yet?
I put forward a proposal to do a minimal refurb on the old Tower and turn it into a Visitors Centre showing the entire history of the Base. The sons and daughters of ex-USAF personnel had been known to take a keen interest in such projects; call me non-modest, but it seemed a better idea than just letting it rot.
Needless to say, the worthy rezzies shot the idea down; shame, really, anyone know if its been demolished yet?
Last edited by Minesthechevy; 27th Jan 2011 at 12:20.
My place of work for 28 years, the 'old'* tower at Farnborough, had it's VCR knocked off 2 weeks after we moved to the new tower in Nov 2002 and the rest was demolished after about 3 months.
To me, it looks like the design of the new Farnborough tower was also used for the new Edinburgh tower.
*Built 1945/6 it was actually the third ATC facility at Farnborough
To me, it looks like the design of the new Farnborough tower was also used for the new Edinburgh tower.
*Built 1945/6 it was actually the third ATC facility at Farnborough
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Southend
Southend's existing tower was built as a temporary structure around 60 years ago. New tower due to enter service within weeks.
Southend Airport Railway Station - Class 321 | Flickr - Photo Sharing!
Arrico Roofing & Cladding | Projects
Southend Airport Railway Station - Class 321 | Flickr - Photo Sharing!
Arrico Roofing & Cladding | Projects
Last edited by Barnaby the Bear; 27th Jan 2011 at 19:09. Reason: Adding better image link
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Mick.... Greenham Tower is still there, as you probably know. Even still has various aerials on it. However, all the windows are boarded up so not much is happening. I guess they're nervous about the local yobbo populace.. Nice place to sit and have lunch tho'.
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HD
Bren, thanks for the info.
Ive only spent a total of 9 days in the UK since 2006 and visiting GC wasn't on the agenda.....
Shame the twr's not been used for something or other, I suppose the hope is - as so often - if they do nothing it'll eventually need to be pulled down on H&S grounds - at which point, they say 'no problem any more'.
Bren, thanks for the info.
Ive only spent a total of 9 days in the UK since 2006 and visiting GC wasn't on the agenda.....
Shame the twr's not been used for something or other, I suppose the hope is - as so often - if they do nothing it'll eventually need to be pulled down on H&S grounds - at which point, they say 'no problem any more'.
