Season 2022-23 Summer Visit

The summer Outing was on Friday June 9th to the Shuttleworth Collection at Old Warden, near Biggleswade. After the usual multiple pick-ups of members and friends in the Worksop area, we had had non-stop coach journey down the A1 to the Shuttleworth Trust. We arrived in time for a coffee before we started exploring the 5 hangers, gardens and air strip.

One of the many planes we saw, were two with the catchments area for Probus Club of Worksop.

The Lysander which is most famous for its use during WW2, for dropping SOE agents and supplies in occupied France. In 1939 a squadron of Lysanders was based at Netherthorpe airfield near Thorpe Salvin; they were used for watching for an invasion over the east coast near the Humber. Later the squadron was transferred to the airfield at Firbeck.

Another plane that has a special connection to Firbeck is the DH88 flown by Captain Campbell Black

Captain Campbell Black was a famous English aviator who designed the airfield at Firbeck. for visitors to Firbeck Hall Country Club owned by Cyril Aubrey Nicholson. Captain Black flew many celebrities into Firbeck including Florence Desmond, his famous wife who was was a famous actress, film star, comedian and talented impersonator.

Cyril Aubrey Nicholson, the owner of Firbeck Hall Country Club sponsored  the airmen Captain Campbell Black with Charles Scott, two of the greatest pilots of the time, to fly the Cyril Aubrey Nicholson, the owner of Firbeck Hall Country Club sponsored  the airmen Captain Campbell Black with Charles Scott, two of the greatest pilots of the time, to fly the DH88 in the race from London to Australia.  They not only won but set a world record.

Captain Black had previous connections with the Prince of Wales as he piloted him on visits to Africa looking for game. The Prince of Wales visited Firbeck Hall

The Prince of Wales visit to Firbeck Hall on 11th July 1935

The Prince of Wales arrived by train and car but left by plane  (DH88). Presented to him by the Lord Mayor of Sheffield were: Lord and Lady Fielding; Mr Cyril Nicholson and his wife and daughter; and Captain Campbell Black, the airman, and his actress bride, Miss Florence Desmond. 

Yorkshire Post report at the time reads: “By Air from Firbeck

Then, taking off from the aerodrome piloted by Captain Fielden, the Prince coasted awhile and returned to circle the house, which he left to the sound of cheering.

Thanks to Allan Colley, Howard Jackson and Peter Cogill for the photographs.