Skinners Farm
SKINNERS FARM: Gliding site
Operated by: South Essex Aero Club
Location: N of Epping Lane, S of the M25, S of Theydon Mount
Period of operation: 1930s only?
NOTES: There is today, a Skinners Farm just S of Theydon Mount, so presumably this was pretty much where the gliding took place?
If anybody can kindly offer more advice and information, this will be much appreciated.
In response, in July 2017, Alan Simpson, who had first informed me of this gliding site, sent me this information. It is well worth looking at the HAVERING PARK FARM listing, also from Alan Simpson, for the background to this site being used.
"The Sailplane and Glider, 10 October 1930 'SOUTH ESSEX AERO CLUB. - What can be truthfully described as a successful meeting was held on Sunday by the South Essex Aero Club at their new ground near Abridge. Thanks to the spirited support of Mr. J. Chambers, on whose ground the club now operates, the members were able to exercise in full their flying abilities without restriction. Starting early on Sunday morning, gliding was carried on almost without a break until dusk.'
'Those able to stay the day were able to take the machine up on several occasions, and although some members attained a fair height they all concentrated on beating one another in the length of their flights. The majority of members have now become accustomed to being precipitated into the air, and with a little more practice the club will have a number of capable glider pilots. It is intended to carry on gliding as far as possibe throughout the winter with midweek meetings for those who find a weekday more convenient.'
Note: I find it interesting, reading this report, that an aircraft, be it a glider in this case, was still being referred to as a 'machine'. I now wonder when the term aeroplane or aircraft became the more popular term?
'In order to ensure an all-the-week interest, arrangements are well in hand for the establishment of a workshop where members will be able to demonstrate their groundskill and indulge in glider construction to their hearts' content. The club intends to justify the inclusion of such notable names as Sir A.V.Roe and Sir Alan Cobham, K.B.E., A.F.C, who are vice-presidents of the club, by arranging lectures and meetings with the object of fostering the cause of aviation in Essex.'
Looked at today this seems almost beyond belief. This very small enterprise, having at best two gliders, having the support of two of the most notable figures in British aviation at that time - Roe and Cobham. I think this speaks volumes about the sheer enthusiasm and generosity these two men had, to support aviation at every level of endeavour. What a wonderful example they set. In Cobham's case especially, here was a man who had already completed pioneering flights to South Africa and the Far East to survey air routes for Imperial Airways. And yet he is supporting a gliding club whose best endeavours on a good day were hops lasting just over 20 seconds!
It should also be noted that in early 1931, the South Essex Aero Club had moved, yet again, to a location at WHEATON'S FARM, Laindon.
SOMETHING TO CONSIDER?
It seems utterly astonishing to me that such notable people such as A V Roe and Alan Cobham were vice-presidents of what, lets face it, was a very minor affair in the greater scheme of what these great men of aviation would have been involved in during this period. And indeed, shows a degree of generosity and enthusiasm for aviation which has pretty much disappeared in modern major business enterprises. Alan Bramson being a notable exception perhaps? Although he is only interested in projects designed to elevate his personal fame.
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