The Avro Heritage Museum Podcast

In this captivating episode of the Avro Heritage Museum podcast, host Chris Beswick takes us on an intriguing journey through the history of the Avro Anson aircraft, specifically focusing on the beloved cockpit of Aggy Paggy. Built in 1945, Aggy Paggy served various roles, from a company hack to a test bed for advanced technology. Join Chris and Avro member Steve Barron as they explore the aircraf...

In this episode of the Avro Heritage Museum podcast, we continue our captivating series, 'A History of Avro in 20 Objects'. Join Chris Beswick & Frank Pleszak as they unravel the story behind a significant piece of aviation history from 1943—a fragment of an Avro Lancaster associated with the legendary Dambusters raid. Discover the context of the year, the significance of the Lancaster...

In this concluding episode of our series with Steve Rees, we take an immersive journey through the Avro Heritage Museum. Steve engages in hands-on experiences that connect him to his father's legacy as a flight engineer during World War II. From locating submarines in a simulated Nimrod cockpit to exploring the Lancaster bomber's cockpit, Steve reflects on the vital roles these aircraft played. Th...

In this poignant episode, we again delve into the untold tales of a young airman, as shared by Steve Rees. Set against the backdrop of autumn 1944, we explore the harrowing story of Flying Officer Abel Mellor, whose struggle with the pressure of leadership led to tragic consequences. Join us as we uncover the emotional weight carried by those who served in Bomber Command and hear about the humanit...

In the latest episode of the Avro Heritage Museum podcast, we continue to uncover the remarkable tales of Sergeant Flight Engineer Ernest Rees, as shared by his son, Steve. This episode focuses on a perilous Lancaster operation during World War II, where despite facing heavy flak damage, the crew pressed on with their mission. Steve reflects on his father's extensive wartime service, revealing...

In this poignant episode we delve into the untold stories of Ernest Rees, a young RAF sergeant flight engineer who served on the legendary Avro Lancaster during World War II. His son, Steve Rees, joins us in the studio to share his extensive research and personal reflections on his father's wartime experiences, which are often overlooked in historical records. Through a mix of historical insig...

We take a fascinating detour from aviation to explore the early life of Alliot Verdon Roe, a prominent figure in aviation history. Join us as Derek Cartwright from the Horwich Heritage Society shares insights into Roe's apprenticeship at Horwich Locoworks, where he honed his engineering skills and engaged in spirited social activities. Discover the reasons behind his transition from railways to av...

It's ​the ​second ​half ​of ​ our ​conversation ​with ​Richard ​Kaberry, ​when ​he ​will ​be ​talking ​about ​his ​work ​at ​the ​museum ​at ​Woodford, ​conducting ​cockpit ​tours ​for ​the ​public ​as ​well ​as ​for ​a ​wide ​variety ​of ​groups. ​We also ​asked ​him ​briefly ​to ​reflect ​back ​on ​his ​40 ​year ​long ​career ​in ​aviation ​and ​to ​choose ​the ​one ​job ​or ​period ​​that ​...

We embark on a fascinating journey through the history of aviation with Richard Kaberry, a dedicated volunteer at the museum. Richard shares his personal experiences starting from his early career at Manchester Airport, known as Ringway, in the 1980s, and recounts the significant connection between Avro and this iconic location. From the maiden flights of legendary aircraft like the Avro Lancaster...

In this inaugural episode of our occasional series, 'A History of Avro Heritage in 20 Objects', we explore a unique artefact that encapsulates a pivotal moment in Avro's legacy. Join us as John Nicholl, a dedicated Woodfordian, guides us through the cultural landscape of 1965, revealing the significance of the object and the collective sentiments surrounding the relocation of the drawi...

In this episode, we continue our enlightening conversation with Frank Pleszak, a dedicated volunteer at the Avro Heritage Museum. Frank shares his journey of introducing artefacts related to Avro history, his involvement in significant events, and the importance of partnerships with other aviation museums. He reflects on his rewarding experiences working with special needs pupils and the profound...

In this episode, we speak with Frank Pleszak, a dedicated volunteer at the Avro Heritage Museum, whose passion for aviation has spanned decades. Frank shares his fascinating journey from a young aircraft spotter at Ringway Airport to a historian with a wealth of experience in agricultural aviation. Discover the intriguing stories behind his varied career, including his time working with ex-combat...

This week on the Avro Heritage Museum podcast, we sit down with Pete Jenkins, a Lancaster cockpit guide, as he shares his incredible experience of flying on an Avro Lancaster at the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum. Discover the history of these iconic aircraft, the challenges Pete faced in booking his flight, and his lifelong passion for aviation, sparked by family ties. Join us for a thrilling...

In this gripping conclusion to an RAF airman's story, Roger Yates continues his father Alan's story of his harrowing experiences of a prisoner of war in Stalag 344. As the war draws to a close, we follow Alan's perilous journey through the chaos of conflict, witnessing the brutality faced by captives and the unexpected moments of humanity that arise. From a near-execution by German sol...

In this gripping continuation of Alan Yates's story, narrated by his son Roger, we follow Alan's harrowing journey after his aircraft was shot down over occupied Holland. From his quick capture by German forces to his experiences in a POW camp, Roger shares his father's remarkable resilience and the unexpected humanity shown by his captors. Discover the challenges Alan faced during his solitary co...

In this gripping episode, we embark on the first of a three-part series exploring the remarkable journey of RAF bomber pilot Alan Yates, narrated by his son Roger. Through heartfelt anecdotes and reflections, Roger shares the challenges and triumphs his father faced from joining the Royal Air Force in 1938 to his harrowing experiences during World War II. This episode captures the essence of brave...

In the final part of our captivating series, we bring you an insightful conversation with AVRO stalwarts Harry, Eric, and Steve Abbott. They share their journey of preserving Avro's rich heritage, from the early days of planning the museum to the unique timeline of aircraft manufacturing that has become a hallmark of the museum. Listen in as they recount the challenges and triumphs of their missio...

In this captivating episode, we continue our exploration of aviation history with Harry & Eric. They discuss AVRO's early aircraft, particularly the Avro 504, and Eric recounts his experiences as a senior radio designer on iconic aircraft like the Nimrod and Vulcan. Join us as we uncover the rich legacy of AVRO and its contributions to aviation.

In this captivating first episode of a three-part series, we sit down with Avro legends Harry Holmes and Eric Harlin, who share their incredible journeys to becoming key figures in the aviation industry. Harry, with a career spanning over three decades, recounts his early days at Avro, his favorite aircraft, and the impact of historical events like the devastating factory fires. Eric shares how th...

In this episode, we sit down with Ron Boxall, a former RAF avionics engineer, who shares his incredible journey through aviation. From the early sparks of inspiration ignited by his father to his colorful stories of life in the Royal Air Force, Ron recounts his experiences working on iconic aircraft like the Nimrod and Vulcan. Discover the highlights of his career, including unforgettable encounte...

Lloyd Robinson recounts to Chris Beswick his life as a passionate aviation enthusiast and historian, who shares his experiences growing up in Stockport and his early encounters with aircraft. From his childhood fascination with aeroplanes to his career in IT and aviation preservation, we explore the connections that shaped his journey. Join us as we delve into the rich history of aviation and the...

We sit down with Steve Ridgway, a passionate artist and former printing services worker at Manchester Metropolitan University. Steve shares his lifelong fascination with aircraft, which began in childhood with model building and air shows. After retiring in 2018, he returned to the Woodford site to contribute to the museum's archives. Listen in as Steve recounts a captivating story about a WWI...

In this episode, we welcome Bob Turner, a former RAF ground crew member with a rich history in electronic communications. Bob shares his experiences working on the complex Nimrod R1 aircraft, detailing its role in electronic intelligence during the Cold War. He recounts fascinating stories of covert missions, including accidental incursions into Soviet naval exercises and the unique challenges fac...

In this episode, we welcome Andy Flynn, a veteran in the aviation industry with a remarkable career at British Aerospace. He shares his journey from a supervisor inspector in the flight test centre to his current role at the Avro Heritage Museum. Andy discusses his experiences working on iconic aircraft such as the Nimrod, Buccaneer, and HS125, including fascinating tales from his time on internat...

In this final episode of our extended conversation with Avro veteran John Nichol's, we journey through his remarkable career at AVRO, starting from 1985. John shares his experiences working on various British aerospace sites, including Hadfield and Filton, and delves into the complexities of projects like the Nimrod and VC10 conversions. He recounts memorable moments, such as a surprising secu...