Welcross Farm
WELCROSS FARM: Private airfield
(also known as SLINFOLD and WELCROSS GRANGE & WELCROSS GRANGE FIELDS)
Note: All four of these pictures, above, were obtained from Google Earth ©
A series of four pictures taken by the author in October 2016.
Operated by: 1980s: Welcross Aviation Later Mr C J Miller
Location: S of A264, in/near Slinfold, 3nm SW of Horsham
Period of operation: 1950s (?) to -
Runway: 2000: 04/22 700x30 grass 2005: 04/22 650x40 grass
Note: Measurements taken on Google Earth from 2001 show the runway to be consistently 03/21 and 630 metres long
NOTES: In 1959 the register for the Association of British Clubs and Centres shows that an associate member club was the Southdown Flying Group, operating from here.
I have visited here and, due to the amount of lovely aircraft based here have decided to describe it as an airfield rather than a private airstrip - it is a delightful place for pilots.
Even in the mid 1970s ten aircraft were listed as being based here - and what a selection! The Redwing 2 G-ABNX and Comper CLA.7 Swift G-ABUU both registered to Mr J Pothecary, (what became of him?). Plus the Auster J/1B Aiglet G-AMKU of the Southdown Flying Group. Of I think special interest was the presence of the Lancashire Aircraft Company Prospector EP.9 G-APXW. This was the last of the versions of the Edgar Percival EP.9, and I believe, was built at SALMESBURY in LANCASHIRE, which was basically an English Electric factory and testing aerodrome.
Also based here was the Rousseau CP.301B Emeraude G-ARIW, the Druine D.31 Turbulent G-ASPU, Piper J3C-65 Cub G-AYCN and the Jodel DR.1050 Sicile of R Emerson & Partners. Another Piper J3C-65 Cub, G-BBHJ, was also here.
Finally but certainly not least, was another Piper J3C-65 Cub (G-BDCD) which was registered to Suzanne C Brooks. Finding female pilots involved in aviation was pretty rare in those days, despite them having made an enormous contribution to aviation history.
A PERSONAL MEMORY
I was asked in August 2001 to help take apart and transport the Robin G-BBOE for repair after a landing accident.
Agnes Axelsen
This comment was written on: 2020-01-07 19:46:50This essential guide features 22 maps of the major operational airfields with associated units and airfield radio frequencies plus 22 maps of minor and satellite airfields. A location map of Volunteer Gliding Schools has been incorporated to this edition. A brief commentary has been provided to illustrate the operator, units and activities of the airfield. Where possible a location for airfield observation and photography is provided.
Dick Flute
This comment was written on: 2020-01-07 19:54:59Hi Agnes, You do not mention what this Guide is called, or how it can be obtained. Please provide further details. Best regards, Dick
Harry Karmel
This comment was written on: 2020-07-14 22:31:33Fantastic airfield - Chris, the owner is incredibly friendly and has a real enthusiasm for aviation. A definite stop for anyone looking for a welcoming atmosphere and some grass-strip practice.
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