Charles Church Memorial Fly-In, Popham

PLEASED TO SUPPORT

29th June 2008

The name Charles Church is very well known as a firm of house builders. What is not so well known, a least outside historic aviation restoration, is that Charles Church the man, rebuilt and restored Spitfires at a small site only a mile or so from Popham Airfield. The family still owns the land upon which the airfield is based and on 29th June 2008, a Memorial fly-In was held in his name. Charles was killed in 1989 near Hartley Wintney flying one of the Spitfires that he had restored and so loved flying.

In addition to a good cross section of flyers from far and wide, there were some special items on this sunny, if blustery day.

The London Fire Brigade Parachute Team dropped in and Carolyn Grace gave a couple of spirited flypasts in her Spitfire Tr.9 ML407.

The highlight for most though was when Keith Dennison, Chief Test Pilot for BAE buzzed the airfield and then landed in Peter Vacher's beautiful Hawker Hurricane I R4118. Parked close to the Clubhouse for just over an hour, this genuine Battle Of Britain veteran drew crowds of admirers both young and old.

It was so appreciated by everyone that, with there being no barriers, they could get so close to this iconic aircraft. Youngsters had their photos taken whilst stood alongside, while those of an older generation stared admiringly perhaps reliving the part that the Hurricane played in saving Britain in those dark days of 1940.

Then the time came for Keith to depart. The crowd, of their own volition, moved a safe distance away, but close enough to relish the music of the classic Merlin engine going through the warm up - the full sequence is shown in the photographs.

Keith had promised that he would give us all a treat as he left and he didn't disappoint. Taking off from the runway alongside the A303 - which must have surprised a few of the drivers! - Keith flew a circuit out over the Hampshire countryside reappearing in a wonderful low topside pass. Then, with a victory roll he was gone, leaving those left behind with memories that will be cherished for years to come.