The Avro Heritage Museum Podcast

In this episode, we delve into the captivating story of gliding at Woodford through the eyes of John Nichol, a dedicated member of the Avro Gliding Club. John shares his memorable experiences from the early 1960s, recounting his first flights, the camaraderie among club members, and the thrill of winch launches. With his logbook in hand, he reflects on the challenges and excitement of learning to...

In this episode, we journey back over 80 years to explore the life of Ivy Morris, a remarkable woman from Woodford, born in 1917. As World War II began, Ivy faced a pivotal choice between working in an armaments factory or at the Avro assembly plant. Her daughter, Sandra, shares poignant stories of Ivy's experiences on the assembly line, where thousands of Lancasters were built and delivered t...

In this final episode of our series with John Duffy, we explore the captivating journey of young aircraft apprentices building a 3/4-size Montgolfier balloon. John shares vivid anecdotes from his apprenticeship, detailing the challenges and triumphs faced during the ambitious project. From the dramatic launch to the unexpected twists, this episode highlights the determination and ingenuity of the...

In part two of John Duffy's story, we journey through the demanding world of major aircraft programmes as John shares his experiences from the Salmesbury site to the intricacies of production engineering. He reflects on the pride and responsibility that come with building aircraft, where every decision is critical. Hear about the challenges faced during the production of the Tornado and 146 ai...

In this first episode of a captivating three-part series, we are joined by John Duffy, a retired aircraft fitter and manufacturing liaison engineer, who shares his remarkable journey into the aviation industry. From his childhood inspirations sparked by the film 'Reach for the Sky' to his early experiences as an air cadet, John recounts the pivotal moments that shaped his career. With vivi...

In this final episode of our enlightening series with Keith Crabtree, we delve into the fascinating world of aircraft production at the Chadderton factory during the 1960s and 1970s. Keith shares his experiences with the transition to Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machinery, recounts near misses and accidents, and reflects on the emotional impact of aircraft being broken up. We explore the intr...

We continue our fascinating conversation with Keith Crabtree, who shares his experiences at the Chadderton factory from 1964 to 1975. Discover the story behind the Hawker Siddeley HS681 military transport aircraft and the challenges faced when Handley Page went into administration. Keith provides insights into the logistical hurdles of transporting the ageing Victor fleet and the innovative soluti...

Avro Heritage Museum 's 1940s weekend! Not just for enthusiasts, it's fun for all the family.   Updatedhighlights include:   ·        Silk FM interview with centenarian Jeff Brown veteran Gunner, Pilot andAvro Engineer (Sat Am) ·        Live music with the fabulous Lancashire Belle singing your 1940’sfavourites, ·        DJ Windy Train: Swing-dancing to popular 1940s music. ·        Morris Dancing...

Keith Crabtree began his career at the Hawker Siddeley Aircraft factory in Chadderton in 1964. Keith shares his passion for aviation and recounts his experiences in the production of iconic aircraft, including the HS801, later known as Nimrod. He vividly describes the factory's environment, the complexity of aircraft manufacturing, and even the infamous fire that impacted the factory's history. Jo...

We continue our fascinating conversation with Liam Bambridge, Director of Communications for Avro FC. Discover the club's determination to retain its Avro name amidst legal challenges, and hear about their remarkable experiences in European football. From thrilling matches played in the snow to the club's ambitious future, Liam shares stories that highlight the spirit and community behind...

Avro FC, is a football club with roots in the Avro factory in Failsworth. Join Jim Clancy as he speaks with Liam Bambridge, the club's director of communications, about the origins of the team, its historical significance, and its evolution from a works team to a semi-professional club. Discover how Avro FC has thrived despite challenges and what the future holds as they aim for promotion within t...

In the second part of our engaging conversation with Paul Hodgson, we delve into his extensive career in navigation and control systems. Paul shares fascinating insights from his early days at Woodford in 1968 to his significant contributions during the Falklands War in 1982. He recounts the challenges of leading military projects and how his team secured a vital contract for the HS125 with the Un...

In this episode, we sit down with Paul Hodgson, a veteran of the aircraft industry, who shares his remarkable 37-year journey culminating in his role as Chief Designer at BAE Systems. Paul recounts his early experiences at Avro, including the unique apprenticeship scheme of the 1960s, and his hands-on work with iconic aircraft like the Vulcan and Nimrod. From the exhilarating moments of flight tes...

In this episode, we delve into the fascinating history of the Avro 707, a unique aircraft that played a pivotal role in the development of the delta wing concept for the Vulcan bomber. Join us as we discuss the aircraft's significance, its restoration project in collaboration with the University of Manchester, and the innovative fly-by-wire technology that it pioneered. With insights from hist...

In this episode of the Avro Heritage Museum podcast, we take you on a fascinating journey through the latest developments at the museum, focusing on the new exhibits dedicated to the iconic Lancaster aircraft. Join us as we speak with Malcolm Serjeant, who shares insights about the Lancaster's history, its significant missions during the Second World War, and the innovative display that brings the...

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...