MARSH FARM HOUSE:    Private airstrip       (Aka SIDLESHAM)




Note:  All three of these pictures were obtained from Google Earth ©







Operated by:  Mr Ivan P Manley


Location: Just ENE of Sidlesham, just ESE of Street End on the B2201, about 3.5nm S of Chichester town centre

Period of operation: Unknown, but between 2000 and 2008


Runway: Not known, but,  01/19   260   grass, seems a reasonable guess?  (See picture)


NOTES:  We have Mr Graham Frost, a great friend of this 'Guide', to thank for pointing out this flying site.  He tells us that he saw G-BZLK landing here around 2007.

A bit more delving around on the inter-web reveals that G-BZLK was homebuilt by Mr Ivan P Manley. A version of the Slingsby T.31 Cadet III motor glider, was registered at this address, Marsh Farm House, from August 2000 to 2008. And indeed, registered as a Manley IP Cadet III.

The small problem from the point of view of this 'Guide', is how long was this airstrip operational?

What we need to bear in mind is that aircraft ready for construction can, and usually are, registered - giving them a distinct and individual identity. The process of building an aircraft, especially a 'home-built' such as this example is, can last for up to thirty years or more, but usually much less of course.

Another aspect is that many homebuilders, having lavished so much care and attention in building an aircraft, sometimes get little pleasure and rewards from actually flying it - and then commence building another aircraft.

In this case, who knows?  So, it might be that this airstrip was only being used for just a year or two?

As always in this 'Guide', if anybody can kindly offer advice, this will be most welcome.