Artist and coal miner Rod Thackray was co-owner of Ludworth Moor Colliery which was on the Mellor border with Derbyshire. Its underground operations closed in 1981 and open cast in 1983. Rod had also spent years researching local coal mines and talking to and recording stories from old miners who had worked the pits around … More The mystery of the Ludworth Moor Colliery table leg pit prop
Did you wonder why a de Havilland biplane featured as a centrepiece in the centenary celebration for the Woodford Aerodrome at the Avro Heritage Museum on 17 September 2024 or why that particular aeroplane which had emerged as the winner of an aeroplane design competition in which it didn’t even participate became so significant for … More The significance of DH Cirrus Moth G-EBLV at the Woodford Centenary event
98 Year old John Monaghan awarded a prestigious Dutch WW2 medal for humanitarian aid relief John, from Poynton is sprightly, affable, full of charm with an infectious energy that defies his 98 years. He’s a WW2 veteran, an inspiration, and a living testament to the enduring vitality of the human spirit. But, he’s a modest, … More Operation Manna medal award
There were many locations around the UK that had some connection with the story of Operation Chastise – the Dambusters. In this blog I list the sites that have (or had) some relevance to the Dambuster story. I also list the home location of the 133 aircrew that took part that nigh of 16 -17 … More Dambuster Locations
Sergeant John Edward Monaghan (RAFVR 1589458). From December 1943 Sergeant John spent over a year training as an aircrew Wireless Operator. Initially on DeHavilland Dominie and Percival Proctors he progressed through Avro Ansons and Vickers Wellingtons before converting to Avro Lancasters with a mainly Canadian crew at 1656 HCU. In this first clip John explains … More John Monaghan Avro Lancaster Wireless Operator Interview
This blog is to describe what is now mainly the legacy of the major sites of aviation around the Manchester area. It is intended to be an organic document which I will update, modify and correct so would be grateful for any suggestions. The first instalment is a map of the Manchester area showing major … More Manchester’s Aviation Legacy
For those that missed the piece on BBC North West Tonight on the 16th May filmed at the Avro Heritage Museum in Woodford about the anniversary of the Dambusters and were gutted that it was only available on iPlayer for a couple of days, well the BBC have sent me the clip but it’s too … More Dambusters 80th anniversary on BBC North West Tonight
When 617 Squadron (initially known as Squadron X) was formed in March 1943, Lancaster squadrons Bomber Command were requested to donate suitable aircrew for a special operation. It seems that crews volunteered or were recommended, either as full crews or as individual crew members. The following list gives the 133 names of the aircrew that … More RAF Squadrons that provided crews to 617 Dambuster Squadron
The complete year of articles for the bi-monthly Inside Marple glossy magazine JANUARY – FEBRUARY 2022 Welcome to my regular feature on the life of the honeybee. Hopefully it will give you an insight into the world of the amazing honeybee as we progress through the year. In each edition I will be giving a … More Honeybee Diary for the Inside Marple Magazine
This blog appeared in an article for the Inside Marple Magazine’s November-December 2022 edition. Mellor Tennis Club is now 100 years old and retains its long standing traditions of being a local community hub. It was originally formed in the 1920s together with Mellor Cricket Club on what is now the recreation ground near the … More Mellor Tennis Club
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