Pontypool New Park
PONTYPOOL NEW PARK: Temporary aerodrome
Operated by: Mons. Henri Salmet
Location: Just E of Pontypool town centre
Period of operation: 1st June 1914
A MICHAEL T HOLDER GALLERY
We have Mike Holder, a great friend of this 'Guide', to thank for both discovering this location, and researching what might be available to illustrate it.
Advert One was published in the Shrewsbury Chronicle on the 8th May 1914. Advert Two was published in the South Wales Gazette on the 15th May 1914.
THE STORY UNFOLDS
The Short article One was published in the Western Mail on the 2nd June 1914. The 'moth-eaten' Short article Two was published in the Amman Valley Chronicle and East Carmarthen News on the 4th June 1914.
The blurred photo of a carnival taking place here is from the 'Old Pontypool' web-site. The area view is from my Google Earth © derived database.
NOTES: Can you be kind enough to allow me to state my case? I have had a fair amount of experience flying "modern" light aircraft. Can remember checking in to be signed out at Wycombe Air Centre many years ago for a flight with a fellow pilot and passenger to an airstrip south of Swindon. The young 'wannabe' ATPL instructor manning the desk told me in no uncertai terms, "You cannot fly one of our aircraft into there!" It was on a fairly steep slope and the undulations in the runway did mean, if viewed from the clubhouse, that you nigh on disappeared from view.
I asked him to check this decision with the CFI, who was in his office, and was pleased to hear him say, "Sign him out." So, I think it fair to say I was not a timid pilot. But, I would never have attempted to fly into this location, even if it had a runway long enough. The two pictures above, the Google Street View and the blurred carnival picture, illustrate to me perhaps the most unsuitable flying site I have ever seen. Small wonder that Salmet was not a happy bunny to start with.Then he had the crowd control problems. It is said that his command of English was limited, but I expect, if spoken out loud, his opinion would have been along the lines of, "Mes amis, je suis 'pissed off', or something similar.
The main threats to me are, being in a fairly steep valley, surrounded by tall trees giving very limited options to climb away, is what is the wind doing once you get near the tops of the trees? Several things can happen, possibly all at once. For example, curl over turbulence, downdraughts and encountering a tailwind strong enough to prevent climbing out. Especially with the low powered Blériot Salmet was flying. So, am not at all surprised that Salmet elected to escape ASAP.
We'd love to hear from you, so please scroll down to leave a comment!
Leave a comment ...
Copyright (c) UK Airfield Guide
