Taunton International
TAUNTON INTERNATIONAL: Private airfield
(Possibly also known as BROMFIELD or BROOMFIELD?)
Note: These pictures are from my Google Earth © derived database. We think we've identified the correct field?
Operated by: Mr Maurice Kirk
Period of operation: Unknown, but probably from the 1970s until the early 2000s?
Location: Roughly 2.5nm SSE of Taunton town centre
NOTES: We have Mr Graham Frost to thank for pointing out this location - more or less.
The main reason for including this in this 'Guide' is to make a mention, much deserved, of Maurice Kirk, the life of whom certainly deserves a book to be written. (Or has it?). Generally known as "The Flying Vet" he is a most remarkable character, and, probably through being a dedicated Francophile, having no regard for aviation rules and regulations. Indeed, even from my own experience flying with French pilots in French registered aircraft, this is the country to go to where, in some parts, the rule book is thrown away before taking off! (Or was?). But, never felt in the slightest bit unsafe, as they are very good pilots. Learnt a few very valuable lessons.
WARNING! If investigating the flying career of Maurice Kirk, fasten your seatbelt!
It appears that a neglected French registered Stampe, full of bird nests, was to seen here many years ago. The first mention we have found of an aircraft registered to him is the Fournier RF-4D, re-registered as G-BVET from 31.10.79 until 25.11.80. (Photographed at BROMFIELD). There is also another photo of a SAN Jodel DR.1050M Excellence F-BLJQ, seen this time at 'BROOMFIELD', bearing the registration G-BLJQ. No doubt owned by Mr Kirk? And, I expect, if so, knowing his reputation, he much enjoyed flying it around. The letter 'Q' is not allowed on the British register, probably because the official in charge had very poor eyesight, so could not distinguish an 'O' from a 'Q' ?
The aircraft Maurice Kirk is best known for is the Piper J3C-65 Cub, G-KIRK, (ex F-BBQC), which he owned from March 1987 until February 2012. It is reported that he flew this on numerous occassions to visit farms as a vet, and, once flew it to Australia, with a flask of tea, or perhaps something more agreeable containing alcohol, and barely any maps. Seeking advice for his next sector with notes written down, often on scraps of paper or napkins.
I found it interesting to note, that for G-KIRK, the registered address was in Merdignac, Brittany.
AND, A BIT MORE INFORMATION FOR YOUR DELECTATION
We have Mike Holder, another great friend of this 'Guide', having noticed this listing appearing on the web-site, kindly decided to have a quick delve, and very soon discovered these items from around the late 1970s.
The Article One was published in the Belfast News Letter on the 10th January 1978. Article Two was published in the Western Daily Press on the 5th October 1978.
Article Three was published on the 13th December 1979 in the Wells Journal.
WITHOUT ANY DOUBT A 'PUT UP' JOB?
This story was published in the Sunday Mirror on the 12th August 1979. Typically for 'Mirror' publications, the "story is all". And, of course a lovely story - so why spoil it with facts? Obviously just my opinion, but a fine example of what a generous spirit Maurice Kirk had. PS: All the early Cessna 172s I flew had a working cigar lighter.
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