Manchester Airport - Then & Now
That Alitalia 747
Hey Propliner Man, I too went up to the airport that day and shock horror, the miscreant at the right in the picture looks horribly like me!!! What date was this? I was certainly at school and was spotting from c.71 to about 75.
I also remember PB enterprises (Aero). PB Hardy was a very strange chap and had a strange friend called something like Gandy? Is Hardy still alive?
I was a member of the spotters club he ran (and still am in it's modern form as TAS!). I went on lots of trips all over the South of England with the club. In fact my very first flight was on one his trips. We went to Gatwick and there was an announcement that numbers would be drawn out of a hat for a flight from Gatwick to Redhill, Yes I won. We flew to Redhill in a Horizon G-AWAC. Apparently the owner was a friend of his, amazing stuff when I think about it.
I also recall going to the Barton airshow where he had a stand one year. He had an old car (can't remember what it was) and we put a "For Sale" sign on the windscreen, he went mad!
I'll go and dig out my old Cam's to see if I can add to your list of memorable aircraft. But, does anyone remember 3 IL18's lined up on the west apron, Tarom or Balkan, can't remember which!
I haven't collected numbers since the '70's but I'm still really keen on Aviation and I walk around 23L/05R at least 2 or 3 times a week to keep fit. I can get to the threshhold of 05R on foot in 20mins from home!
Is there anyone else out there who was around in the early/mid seventies? There were a number of guys from school (Broadway) who went up to the airport but I lost touch 30+ years ago.
Cheadle Boy
I also remember PB enterprises (Aero). PB Hardy was a very strange chap and had a strange friend called something like Gandy? Is Hardy still alive?
I was a member of the spotters club he ran (and still am in it's modern form as TAS!). I went on lots of trips all over the South of England with the club. In fact my very first flight was on one his trips. We went to Gatwick and there was an announcement that numbers would be drawn out of a hat for a flight from Gatwick to Redhill, Yes I won. We flew to Redhill in a Horizon G-AWAC. Apparently the owner was a friend of his, amazing stuff when I think about it.
I also recall going to the Barton airshow where he had a stand one year. He had an old car (can't remember what it was) and we put a "For Sale" sign on the windscreen, he went mad!
I'll go and dig out my old Cam's to see if I can add to your list of memorable aircraft. But, does anyone remember 3 IL18's lined up on the west apron, Tarom or Balkan, can't remember which!
I haven't collected numbers since the '70's but I'm still really keen on Aviation and I walk around 23L/05R at least 2 or 3 times a week to keep fit. I can get to the threshhold of 05R on foot in 20mins from home!
Is there anyone else out there who was around in the early/mid seventies? There were a number of guys from school (Broadway) who went up to the airport but I lost touch 30+ years ago.
Cheadle Boy
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Proplinerman.
IIRC the Alitalia was bringing footy supporters in for a U****d game.
Could be wrong it was a while back, sorry, couldn't bring my self to type that word.
IIRC the Alitalia was bringing footy supporters in for a U****d game.
Could be wrong it was a while back, sorry, couldn't bring my self to type that word.
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Cheadle Boy: sorry, I don't have a date, as above, all my log books for those years, bar one, have gone west. I just am pretty sure it was 1973, summer or spring-looking at the weather etc, because the "cop" of the aircraft first appears in my 1973 CAM, which I've still got.
I'm a member of TAS now-I give talks to them from time to time, next one on 2nd August.
Also, I know Broadway School very well, tho I didn't go there myself, but my parents' house in the early 1970s was one of those on Kingsway that back onto the school's playing field and today I live just round the corner and walk past the school nearly every day.
I'm a member of TAS now-I give talks to them from time to time, next one on 2nd August.
Also, I know Broadway School very well, tho I didn't go there myself, but my parents' house in the early 1970s was one of those on Kingsway that back onto the school's playing field and today I live just round the corner and walk past the school nearly every day.
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Memories
Heavens, this thread has certainly brought back some memories. I used to hang around Ringway in the mid 50’s and was a member of the short-lived Ringway Spotters Club. I lived in Hyde in those days, two bus journeys away; the Stockport/Ringway service not being very frequent. The resident R.Aux. Air Force squadron, 613 , was still operating DH Vampires, the airport manager was (if my memory serves me correct) a Mr. Harvey and there was a very “spotter friendly” airport policeman, Sgt. Lewis. The resident operator was Airviews who operated an Auster and Dragon Rapide and later adding a Dove (for their service to the Isle of Wight). My very first flight was in the Airviews Dragon Rapide which I received in exchange for manning the ticket booth. Airworks were refurbishing Sabers’ and occasionally one would see a Fairey Firefly Drone. Scheduled traffic at the airport was scant to say the least and occasional visitors like a Flying Tigers Lockheed Constellation a rare treat. The frequency of my visits declined as I became more involved with being an ATC cadet (1196 Breadbury, Romily and Marple squadron) and I joined the RAF as a Boy Entrant in 1958. Since then I have traveled into Ringway in a BEA Viscount and out in a Vanguard and many years later in transit to/from the Isle of Man. Fond Memories.
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Hi Cheadle Boy. Yes I was a keen spotter from about 1967 to late 71 when we migrated to Australia. I was also @ Broadway high school and used to ride the bike to the airport on days I was supposed to be at school, LoL my name is Chris Morgan.
Couldn't help myself and had to add a little more to this thread. A couple of "regulars" going over my place, which was right on finals to 24, I always remember were 08:00 ish BOAC VC-10 in the mornings (usually a super) (my alarm clock) which left a unique wailing sound once it had gone overhead, and the daily 18:00 smokey Lufty 727 from Frankfurt which you could see coming miles off!
Although though I couldnt confirm it, but the rumour was that the elderly lady that used to live in the last house in the row that was on on short finals to 24, was deaf and that she used to bring in her washing off the line just prior to the Lufty 727 landing. Bless her.
I also remember the Alitalia, SAS and Air France caravelles at night that had a unique navigation/strobe type lights that seemed to alternate in a different pattern to most other aircraft I had seen.
And turnstiles at the start of the "international" pier, where I didnt always have the money (cant even remember in 1970, how much it was now) to get thru, and was a bit portly to squeeze thru the gaps in a desperate attempt to run the length of the pier to look at some rare departure.
And not to forget the "boring" B-Line 1-11's, Tridents and the Dan-Air Nord 262 (YFR) that flew in and out.
What I would give to see those again, LoL
I still have my last 1971 CAMS book I bought, which I often flick thru. And the day of all days, when the first BOAC 747 landed, and the terraces were jam packed. When it touched down, I remember my reaction. Just gobsmacked by its size......
Great days indeed.
Couldn't help myself and had to add a little more to this thread. A couple of "regulars" going over my place, which was right on finals to 24, I always remember were 08:00 ish BOAC VC-10 in the mornings (usually a super) (my alarm clock) which left a unique wailing sound once it had gone overhead, and the daily 18:00 smokey Lufty 727 from Frankfurt which you could see coming miles off!
Although though I couldnt confirm it, but the rumour was that the elderly lady that used to live in the last house in the row that was on on short finals to 24, was deaf and that she used to bring in her washing off the line just prior to the Lufty 727 landing. Bless her.
I also remember the Alitalia, SAS and Air France caravelles at night that had a unique navigation/strobe type lights that seemed to alternate in a different pattern to most other aircraft I had seen.
And turnstiles at the start of the "international" pier, where I didnt always have the money (cant even remember in 1970, how much it was now) to get thru, and was a bit portly to squeeze thru the gaps in a desperate attempt to run the length of the pier to look at some rare departure.
And not to forget the "boring" B-Line 1-11's, Tridents and the Dan-Air Nord 262 (YFR) that flew in and out.
What I would give to see those again, LoL
I still have my last 1971 CAMS book I bought, which I often flick thru. And the day of all days, when the first BOAC 747 landed, and the terraces were jam packed. When it touched down, I remember my reaction. Just gobsmacked by its size......
Great days indeed.
Last edited by monarols; 4th Aug 2010 at 22:47.
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another ex broadway boy here (left 79) who spent far to much time at the airport as a youth. we used to get the 369 bus from and to cheadle hulme 2p back in them days.
great thread this brings back loads of memories, div days were the best,anyone remember the night(late70s) when we got a swissair 747,alia 747,plus loads more?
we used to leave on the 9pm bus just after the sabena 737 and swissair dc9 landed.
can anyone remember the green plastic chairs with little built in black and white coin operated tvs next to the cafe near the domestic pier?
great thread this brings back loads of memories, div days were the best,anyone remember the night(late70s) when we got a swissair 747,alia 747,plus loads more?
we used to leave on the 9pm bus just after the sabena 737 and swissair dc9 landed.
can anyone remember the green plastic chairs with little built in black and white coin operated tvs next to the cafe near the domestic pier?
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Memories of Ringway
I lived in Timperley during the war but still managed to cycle to the airport (no security) to see the bombers, many kept in the fields.
In the 50s we had a youth club/boys brigade camp behind the Brick Works
-just where the 2nd runway is now-
Also had a couple of visits to the control tower.
Happy days- Trotter13
In the 50s we had a youth club/boys brigade camp behind the Brick Works
-just where the 2nd runway is now-
Also had a couple of visits to the control tower.
Happy days- Trotter13
Today I've seen and heard youngsters picking up their exam results from the local school, this is a ritual which I never got the chance to take part in.
My schooldays were spent at Reddish Vale Comp gazing out of the windows at the dizzying procession of exotic aircraft heading for Ringway. When exam time came around I could tell the difference between Viscounts, Heralds, and 748's purely from engine noise and I swear I could taste a CV990A from 1/2 mile distant. As for the exam results........, like I said I didn't pick any up!
In a nutshell then, Manchester Airport has made me what I am today
My schooldays were spent at Reddish Vale Comp gazing out of the windows at the dizzying procession of exotic aircraft heading for Ringway. When exam time came around I could tell the difference between Viscounts, Heralds, and 748's purely from engine noise and I swear I could taste a CV990A from 1/2 mile distant. As for the exam results........, like I said I didn't pick any up!
In a nutshell then, Manchester Airport has made me what I am today
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... I dont know if this has already been mentioned but I beleive Manchester
Ringway can claim to be where where Britains very first paratroop Regiment was formed and trained in June 1940 - as No1 Parachute Training
School - A/c in use were Whitleys.
...
Ringway can claim to be where where Britains very first paratroop Regiment was formed and trained in June 1940 - as No1 Parachute Training
School - A/c in use were Whitleys.
...
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Indeed; formed at Ringway on 21 June 1940 as the Central Landing School and from 1 October 1940 was designated as the Parachute Training Squadron. The satellite station was Tatton Park.
The Memorial.
The Memorial.
Cheadle Boy:
Would the Gandy in question be Wal Gandy? Eccentric though good bloke with, as I recall, a penchant for cold rice pudding! He used to do a lot of freelance stuff for Ian Allen including designing the tables for newly issued reg's in '80's CAMs IIRC
Met him many times in the early '80's as a spotty kid on CAS trips. Speaking of which, anyone remember Phil Kinder - is he still about??
Regards,
Frank
Would the Gandy in question be Wal Gandy? Eccentric though good bloke with, as I recall, a penchant for cold rice pudding! He used to do a lot of freelance stuff for Ian Allen including designing the tables for newly issued reg's in '80's CAMs IIRC
Met him many times in the early '80's as a spotty kid on CAS trips. Speaking of which, anyone remember Phil Kinder - is he still about??
Regards,
Frank
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chris williams
Does anyone remember the aviation shop on wilmslow road,heald green, 1990's near tubs+loo's,a guy called chris williams,aka(animal)in his punk rock day's,used to work there?,.
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Does anyone remember GMAG? The Greater Manchester Aviation Group was run by Graham Froggatt and Phil Lines and ran coach trips to various airfields and shows. I designed the logo that appeared on the magazine cover and sweat shirts. Graham died many years ago, but I've seen Phil at the airport a couple of times. He's now with security at T2.
I remember Geoff Ball. I think he knocked about with Paul 'Guy' West and some other 'serious' spotters. One was a bank manager who lived in Cheadle, but his name escapes me. They used Hilki 'poles' (Hilkinson Pancratic telescopes). We all used to meet in the back room of the APH on a sunday night.
John Theobold was the man on the motorbike. I went on some coach trips with him. I would cycle from Ardwick to Lance Shippey's house on Kingsway to be one of the first on the coach.
Happy days.
Remember Wal Gandy also.
I remember Geoff Ball. I think he knocked about with Paul 'Guy' West and some other 'serious' spotters. One was a bank manager who lived in Cheadle, but his name escapes me. They used Hilki 'poles' (Hilkinson Pancratic telescopes). We all used to meet in the back room of the APH on a sunday night.
John Theobold was the man on the motorbike. I went on some coach trips with him. I would cycle from Ardwick to Lance Shippey's house on Kingsway to be one of the first on the coach.
Happy days.
Remember Wal Gandy also.
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Ah Nostalgia!
I remember those seats with the black n white TVs in the arm! The height of technology at the time, even if the reception was cr*p.
Ringway has always had a special place in my heart too. All the strands that run throughout this thread...the rubber floor tiles, chandeliers, Alcock & Brown bronze, clickety-clack departure board, that "special" feeling of impending adventure that built as you approached the place...actually wearing your Sunday best to travel rather than a shell suit as the great unwashed do today.
Flew out of Ringway from late 60's as a youngster. Always to Ireland to spend summer hols with Grandparents and always with Aer Lingus or BEA. Adored the Viscount & the sound of those props! As time went on the 1-11 took over, but always wanted to go on a Caravelle but they didn't do Manc-Dub or Belfast.
Unaccompanied minor several times & was tended hand & foot by beautiful stewardesses, although I have never found them so keen to tend to my every need now that I am old enough to appreciate it!
I was once due to fly to Dublin, can only have been 1967-1969, but on arrival at Manc the runway was closed due to an a/c suffering collapsed undercarriage. Had to be coached to Speke where KLM DC9 took us to Dublin. Any of you remember this incident or was I hallucinating?
Having been trying to build Airfix planes since before I had stopped dribbling, aviation was in my blood but unattainable. My parents bought me a flying lesson as a birthday pressie about 1991 with MFS on the old Southside prior to the 2nd runway being built. Following a landing Aer Lingus 737 in that old Tomahawk was captivating! I late managed to afford infrequent PPL lessons & now fly out of Barton having realised my dream.
Now sadly, corporate capitalism has taken hold of this once great place, and whilst I am still inexorably drawn to my local airport, I regard the whole operation with utter cynicism...apart from airside that is, where the real magic still happens.
Ringway has always had a special place in my heart too. All the strands that run throughout this thread...the rubber floor tiles, chandeliers, Alcock & Brown bronze, clickety-clack departure board, that "special" feeling of impending adventure that built as you approached the place...actually wearing your Sunday best to travel rather than a shell suit as the great unwashed do today.
Flew out of Ringway from late 60's as a youngster. Always to Ireland to spend summer hols with Grandparents and always with Aer Lingus or BEA. Adored the Viscount & the sound of those props! As time went on the 1-11 took over, but always wanted to go on a Caravelle but they didn't do Manc-Dub or Belfast.
Unaccompanied minor several times & was tended hand & foot by beautiful stewardesses, although I have never found them so keen to tend to my every need now that I am old enough to appreciate it!
I was once due to fly to Dublin, can only have been 1967-1969, but on arrival at Manc the runway was closed due to an a/c suffering collapsed undercarriage. Had to be coached to Speke where KLM DC9 took us to Dublin. Any of you remember this incident or was I hallucinating?
Having been trying to build Airfix planes since before I had stopped dribbling, aviation was in my blood but unattainable. My parents bought me a flying lesson as a birthday pressie about 1991 with MFS on the old Southside prior to the 2nd runway being built. Following a landing Aer Lingus 737 in that old Tomahawk was captivating! I late managed to afford infrequent PPL lessons & now fly out of Barton having realised my dream.
Now sadly, corporate capitalism has taken hold of this once great place, and whilst I am still inexorably drawn to my local airport, I regard the whole operation with utter cynicism...apart from airside that is, where the real magic still happens.
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Well, reading about and posting about years 1969 to 1974 on here has made me realise that we all probably know each other! We were probably all there on Saturdays. I remember lots of spotters that I didn't know....but I knew exactly which bench they would be on the terraces!
I was on the end of "The International Pier" (Some youngsters on here callin it Pier B) when Ringway got it's first 747 Visit. In fact, I was half-way up the lighting tower at the end of the pier. Any pictures of the crowd that day will probably have me up the light!
And yes, I miss those Rubber tiles which if you dragged your toe along, made an excellent raspberry fart!
I miss the Brown vinyl chairs, the Chandeliers of course, and the fins with Airlines on.
I was on the end of "The International Pier" (Some youngsters on here callin it Pier B) when Ringway got it's first 747 Visit. In fact, I was half-way up the lighting tower at the end of the pier. Any pictures of the crowd that day will probably have me up the light!
And yes, I miss those Rubber tiles which if you dragged your toe along, made an excellent raspberry fart!
I miss the Brown vinyl chairs, the Chandeliers of course, and the fins with Airlines on.
Went in August 1971 on a Wardair 707 charter from Manchester to Vancouver, I guess they were not too common then. Sat in the landside buffet which faced over the field, awaiting departure, the aircraft arrived inbound, probably positioning from Gatwick, and a whole group of enthusiasts who of course had taken pole position at the window seats nearly knocked over all the coffee cups as they saw it and ran out.
Wasn't any of you lot, by chance ....... ?
Wasn't any of you lot, by chance ....... ?
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If you want sheer nostalgia and indulgence, have a look here..
HOME - Ringway Publications The Manchester Airport Archive web-site
They also have an excellent book on the seventies, I know because I have a copy....
SHOP - Ringway Publications The Manchester Airport Archive web-site
HOME - Ringway Publications The Manchester Airport Archive web-site
They also have an excellent book on the seventies, I know because I have a copy....
SHOP - Ringway Publications The Manchester Airport Archive web-site
Interesting stuff...me and my mate used to make the trip from Liverpool...I have dates in my old civil makings yes I still have them...dating to 1968 at Ringway,
It was quite an journey for us young lads from Liverpool....bus to Lime St Station Liverpool up to mch Picadilly I think it was....then a long walk to get a bus to Ringway We where about 14 at the time,
VHF manual tuning air-band radios where just becoming easily available...I had a big VHF Skymaster with its big square battery...gee I had many many hours of enjoyment from that radio and got many cops on F/O with it...remember aircraft used the reg as the call-sign then...todays scanner owners dont know how lucky they are,
My mate had a smaller radio I think it was a Sherock or something like that...I also remember we had to take our radios into the telecom office to have them checked to make sure the caused no interference and then getting a stcker clering them....there being a sign warning of this on the main building,
I also remember the ATC comms being put out over the P/A sys all the way down the piers,
Fantastic days...with so many interesting a/c that we never go to see at out local Speke...Liverpool Airport....
We used to have probs getting the reg numbers off the light a/c parked on the south side on hot summer days due heat shimmer distorting the view with our telescopes.
Nick.
It was quite an journey for us young lads from Liverpool....bus to Lime St Station Liverpool up to mch Picadilly I think it was....then a long walk to get a bus to Ringway We where about 14 at the time,
VHF manual tuning air-band radios where just becoming easily available...I had a big VHF Skymaster with its big square battery...gee I had many many hours of enjoyment from that radio and got many cops on F/O with it...remember aircraft used the reg as the call-sign then...todays scanner owners dont know how lucky they are,
My mate had a smaller radio I think it was a Sherock or something like that...I also remember we had to take our radios into the telecom office to have them checked to make sure the caused no interference and then getting a stcker clering them....there being a sign warning of this on the main building,
I also remember the ATC comms being put out over the P/A sys all the way down the piers,
Fantastic days...with so many interesting a/c that we never go to see at out local Speke...Liverpool Airport....
We used to have probs getting the reg numbers off the light a/c parked on the south side on hot summer days due heat shimmer distorting the view with our telescopes.
Nick.