Sherborne flying sites
Note: This map only shows the position of Sherborne within the UK.
SHERBORNE CONSERVATIVE ANNUAL GRAND FETE: Temporary aerodrome
Note: This map was kindly provided by Mr Michael T Holder, together with other extra information.
Operated by: Mr Herbert Spencer
Note: This is somewhat misleading as although Mr Spencer no doubt had some say in the flying aspects, the event itself was organised by the Sherborne Conservative and Unionist Association. And although the flying was part of "Enormous Attractions !!!" it was only a part of a whole range of events. And they clearly expected people to attend from far afield as; "A Special Late Train will leave Sherborne for Yeovil at Eleven p.m." A poster also states the event would be held in the "Old Castle Grounds". But as the map shows there are two castles close to each other. Probably the castle to the north was the 'Old' castle? Exactly where the flying took place will remain a mystery?
Period of operation: 5th August 1912 only?
NOTES: A presumably ‘publicity’ photograph exists of Mr Spencer at the controls of what appears to be a Bristol Boxkite or similar type. It seems that Mr Spencer was offering passenger flights at this fete.
Note: This map was kindly supplied by Mr Michael T Holder and the Polo Ground is clearly marked to the NE of the town centre.
SHERBORNE: Temporary aerodrome
This advert was published in the Western Gazette on the 29th May 1931.
Location: The Polo Ground, S of the railway and about 1nm NE of the town centre
NOTES: Used by the Berkshire Aviation Co in June 1922. The venue location is not known. However, they also returned to SHERBORNE in 1931 to display on the 2nd and 3rd of June - and this venue location is now known thanks to the research by Mike Holder. One aspect of these maps that is very important for this 'Guide' is that they clearly show that a variety of locations were used.
Note: This map was also kindly supplied by Mr Michael T Holder. The Bradford Road can be clearly seen, but of course we have no idea which field he used.
On the 16th May 1933 Sir Alan Cobham’s National Aviation Day No.2 Tour displayed in/near Sherborne. Did they also use the Bradford Road site on the 15th June 1934 when Cobhams Tour re-visited SHERBORNE? It would be rash to suppose they did, no matter how likely this might appear.
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