The Avro Heritage Museum Podcast

In this exhilarating episode, we continue our captivating conversation with Sue Harden Dutton as she reminisces about her extraordinary flight in the Avro Shackleton airborne early warning aircraft. With infectious enthusiasm, Sue shares her unforgettable experiences aboard the iconic aircraft, highlighting the camaraderie among the RAF crew during the Cold War and the unique challenges faced duri...

In this episode of the AvroHeritage Museum podcast, we are joined by Sue Harden Dutton, a former RAF Aerosystems Space Operator. Sue shares her fascinating journey in the RAF, detailing her experiences with the Avro 696 Shackleton, a long-range maritime patrol aircraft. From her training at West Drayton to her pivotal role in the northern defences of the UK, Sue recounts a memorable flight that tu...

In this episode, we continue the poignant story of leading aircraftman Bob Taylor, as narrated by his son Rob. Discover Bob's remarkable dedication during the war, which earned him a mention in dispatches for his tireless work keeping Lancaster bombers operational under extreme conditions. Rob shares touching memories of his father's wartime experiences, including a fascinating parallel wi...

In this poignant episode, we pay tribute to the unsung heroes of World War II: the ground crew. Rob Taylor shares the remarkable story of his father, Les 'Bob' Taylor, who served as a Leading Aircraftman in the RAF. Discover the challenges and camaraderie faced by ground crews as they maintained the legendary Avro Lancaster bombers, including their role in the sinking of the German battleship Tirp...

In this exciting episode, we catch up with Jane Hadfield as she shares insights into the upcoming Wings and Wheels event and the 1940s weekend at the Avro Heritage Museum. Jane discusses her journey into event organisation, the challenges faced in planning these popular family events, and the various attractions that await visitors, from classic vehicles to artisan markets. Join us as we explore t...

In this episode, we sit down with David Pierce, a seasoned veteran of the aviation industry who shares his remarkable journey from apprentice to project manager at Woodford. With a career spanning several decades, David recounts his experiences working on the Advanced Turboprop (ATP) aircraft, including testing it in extreme weather conditions across the globe. He also reflects on his role in the...

In this gripping second part of our conversation with Paul Ormerod, we delve into the fascinating world of the Lancaster bombers and the experiences of his father, Flight Engineer Curly Ormerod, who served with 101 Squadron. Discover the reliability of the iconic Rolls Royce Merlin engine, the critical role of flight engineers during engine failures, and the harrowing impact of enemy fire. Paul sh...

In this gripping episode, Chris Beswick and Frank Pleszak welcome Paul Ormerod, who shares the remarkable story of his father, John Ormerod, a Lancaster flight engineer during World War II. Paul recounts his father's experiences with 101 Squadron, including the challenges of bombing missions over Berlin and the innovative electronic countermeasures they employed. Discover the unique role of the ei...

In this episode, we continue our engaging conversation with Amanda Paterson, Trustee of the Avro Heritage Museum. Amanda shares her insights into the challenges faced while bringing the Nimrod MRA4 project to Woodford, including a poignant recollection of the contract's cancellation in 2010. We also delve into her father's remarkable history as a Lancaster bomber pilot and his contribution...

In this enlightening episode, Chris Beswick speaks with Amanda Paterson, a trustee of the Avro Heritage Museum and a veteran of the aerospace industry. Amanda shares her remarkable journey from studying mathematics to becoming a director at BAE Systems, shedding light on the challenges and triumphs of being a woman in a traditionally male-dominated field. Discover how her passion for aviation, com...

In this episode, we continue our engaging conversation with Craig Hadfield, a dedicated member and volunteer at the Avro Heritage Museum. Craig shares his experiences with Martin Willoughby, whose father was instrumental in the restoration of the iconic Lancaster S for Sugar. We explore the importance of events at the museum, the challenges they face, and the joy of showcasing aviation history thr...

In this episode of the Avro Heritage Museum podcast, Chris Beswick speaks with long-standing member and volunteer Craig Hadfield. Craig shares fascinating stories from his youth, delivering milk around the Woodford airfield and his subsequent career in the fire service. He recounts his experiences with aircraft, including a tragic glider crash and the iconic Spitfire crash at the 1992 Woodford Air...

In this episode, we take a heartfelt journey through history as we speak with Nancy Bailey, a remarkable 101-year-old veteran of the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force during the Second World War. From her beginnings in Thameside to her vital role managing equipment accounts across various RAF bases, Nancy shares her extraordinary experiences and memories from wartime Britain. Her stories reveal life bey...

In this episode, Chris Beswick takes us back to the dawn of British aviation, exploring the remarkable story of Elliot Verdon Roe, the first man to design, build, and fly an all-British aeroplane, the Row 1 triplane. Join us as we delve into the aircraft's design, construction, and the innovative techniques that made this historic flight possible. With insights from Roger Newton, a member of t...

In this compelling final episode with Les Willans, we delve into the motivations behind his remarkable career in the aviation industry. Surprisingly, his passion for aircraft took a backseat to his love for problem-solving and mentoring others. Les shares his journey from retirement to volunteering at the Avro Heritage Museum, where he leads cockpit tours and engages with visitors through his weal...

In this episode, we continue our insightful conversation with Les Willans as he shares his journey from 2004 to 2006, working on the F35 Joint Strike Fighter project at British Aerospace Systems. Les ​explains ​how ​the ​thinking ​of ​the ​design ​team ​at ​Woodford led to significant cost savings and the invaluable lessons learned throughout his career. He reflects on the emotional impact of Wood...

In this episode, we uncover the pivotal role played by the Groves family and their brewery in the early success of Avro. Chris Beswick speaks with historian Frank Pleszak to explore a significant artefact, a beer flask from Groves and Whitnall, and its connection to the aviation industry. We delve into the history of Avro, the challenges of early aviation, and the impact of local philanthropy on t...

In the second part of our conversation with Les Willans, we delve into his experiences as a team leader in the British aviation industry during the late 1980s. Les shares insights into his role supervising a team of designers on the Airbus A340, highlighting the intricate collaboration required with British Aerospace at Filton. He recounts the challenges of navigating the complex aviation design a...

In this episode, we embark on the first of four enlightening conversations with Les Willans, a seasoned aircraft designer who has been at the forefront of aviation engineering since 1979. Les shares his journey from technician apprentice to his pivotal role at British Aerospace, where he contributed to iconic aircraft such as the Nimrod and the HS146. Discover the complexities of aircraft design,...

In this episode, we continue our captivating conversation with Canberra pilot Mike Fazakerley as he shares his experiences with 7 Squadron, flying from the Nimrod base in St. Morgan, Cornwall. Mike delves into the challenges of providing ground to air targets for military exercises, recounts thrilling anecdotes from his service, and offers insights into the unique characteristics of the English El...

In this exciting second episode of our three-part series, we continue our conversation with Canberra pilot Mike Fazakerley. Mike shares his deep connection with the English Electric Canberra Whiskey Kilo 118 and recounts his journey from childhood fascination with aviation to his RAF career. Discover the remarkable history of the Canberra, its role during the Cold War, and Mike's personal expe...

In this episode of the Avro Heritage Museum podcast, we welcome Mike Fazakerley, a distinguished former RAF pilot, who shares his remarkable journey from joining the RAF cadets at just 14 to becoming an accomplished instructor. We delve into the fascinating history of the English Electric Canberra, particularly the Whiskey Kilo 118 model, which holds a special place in Mike's heart. Alongside...

In this gripping continuation of our exploration of the Avro Manchester, Chris Bewick is joined by Jim Clancy, an Avro member and Manchester enthusiast. Jim recounts two heroic tales from the aircraft's combat operations during World War II, highlighting the bravery and skill of the young pilots who navigated perilous situations. From the remarkable journey of Pilot Officer Kipper Herring, who nur...

In this episode of the Avro Heritage Museum podcast, we delve into the fascinating yet often overlooked story of the Avro Manchester, an aircraft from the Second World War that has been mischaracterised as a failure. Join us as we uncover the truth behind its design, the challenges it faced with its Rolls Royce Vulture engines, and its pivotal role in the development of the legendary Lancaster bom...

In this 2nd episode of our Tale of Two Ansons series, we delve into the fascinating history of the Avro Anson, focusing on the refurbishment of the C19TX214 aircraft. Built in 1946, this iconic plane played a significant role in aviation history, serving the RAF until 1963. Join us as we chat with refurbishment team members Steve Barron and Pete Jenkins, who share insights into the challenges and...