HEATHROW & WEST LONDON CERSA 01.05.04

Heathrow's regular activities :- Visits, lunches. Theatre, inter CERSA skittles and social activities in the Thames Valley: Regular Newsletter.

Committee Members contactable by email

******* Your CERSA Federation CONTACT is Norman

2009 Programme to Christmas

14.09.09 Monday CERSA Lunch Winning Post - Whitton...................... Mohinder 01189 773623

07.10.09 Wednesday Royal Hospital Chelsea London ..........................Stuart 0208 979 2701

18.11.09 Wednesday London Transport Museum Covent Garden, London .............Stuart 0208 979 2701

07.12.09 Monday Christmas Lunch Winning Post - Whitton ...................Mohinder 01189 773623

Past Events

Kew Gardens and the Rhyzotron

On Wednesday 30th July 2008 CERSA members visited Kew Gardens, primarily to visit the newly  installed ‘Rhyzotron’ - a pedestrian walkway 65 feet high above the ground, which allows visitors to walk through the tree tops and enjoy magnificent views of Kew Gardens. After a swift coffee the group made straight for the Rhyzotron, all opting to climb the 65 feet steps rather than taking the lift (we mistakenly thought the lift was out of action). The climb was worth the effort. The experience of literally ‘walking through the tree tops’ was enjoyed by all, once the initial nervousness had subsided. After a light lunch, taken al fresco, in the shade outside the Victoria Plaza we joined about twenty other visitors on a 1 hour tour of a small section of the Gardens. Our volunteer guide parked us under a large lime tree (one of the The giant cruzia water-lilies at Kew Gardens 1 few trees truly native to Britain he said) and gave us a potted history of Kew from its original 9 acres to the present 300, the growth of the botanical gardens following Captain Cook’s return in 1771 with various plant specimens, the efforts of Joseph Banks to establish the gardens and today’s botanical research attracting students worldwide. 2008 is the Year of the Tree Festival at Kew (the Tree Walk forms part of it) and our guide was strong on various tree species, pointing out several of interest as we went round. We paused to look at the “fallen oak sculpture,” an oak which fell during a recent gale and which has been carved to depict intricate structures, greatly enlarged, inside a tree. We then passed in front of the Palm House, designed by Decimus Burton, where our guide explained its structure and the use of wrought iron in construction. We admired the stone statues of “The Queen’s Beasts” in front of the house. The next stop was the Waterlily House, built in 1851, one of the smallest houses and the only one designed for a specific purpose. The house was very hot and  humid. Several lilies were in flower and the round pond gave Norman and Roger an opportunity to photograph them and include group members diagonally opposite. The guide said it was a popular pastime for staff to let their children stand on a suitably large leaf floating on the surface; fortunately none of us tried to do likewise. On to a chestnut tree, the largest tree at Kew, past a fenced off weather station which was THE London Weather Station until 1952 when it moved to Heathrow. Our guide pointed out a row of lilacs (pronouncing it lie lacs which was new to most of us) saying they were a relatively recent addition after an American visitor had said Kew did not appear to have any. After a quick walk across the grass we paused to admire Kew Palace, built in terra cotta brick and the family home of George III. Our guide went into detail about George’s life at Kew, his health, problems with his heirs and the succession due to theirnumerous illegitimate children. The guide explained that the lines marked in front of the Palace formed the outline of the original palace discovered after much work and investigations by the BBC Timewatch team. We explored the Queen’s Gardens behind Kew Palace, mostly dedicated to growing herbs with medicinal properties in beds surrounded by low, neat box hedges. All plants had labels indicating that, according to Gerard’s or Parkinson’s herbals, this plant’s leaves / fruit / roots were good for relieving individual ailments; fascinating stuff. This area also contains some of Kew’s original stone statues. The tour finished with a chat about the Princess of Wales Conservatory and how, due to its design and construction, it was able to accommodate several micro climates and display appropriate plants. Finally we were reminded that 3 battles had been fought in the immediate area of Kew. First in 54 BC when the Romans first crossed the Thames, then wider and shallower than today, then in 1016 when Edmund Ironside defeated Canute, lastly in 1642 during the Civil War. We all thanked our guide, made our way back to the Victoria Gate, said our good byes, took out our bus passes and headed home, after an enjoyable and entertaining visit. ........Sid Brian 2008

AGM Heathrow 14th April

A good attendance along with Chair Stuart Stredwick (with tie on front row)

CERSA Visit to RAF Northolt Air Base

On the 20th of February 2008 Tony West organised a tour of RAF Northolt. After WWII RAF Northolt became a civil airport with services by BEA and others until these flights moved over to Heathrow, once it became established, after which Northolt reverted to military use. Tony West made his first flight in 1948 from Northolt in a Dakota and Shirley West was a passenger on board the Pan Am 707 which landed at Northolt in mistake for Heathrow on 25 October 1960. Gordon Hodson was the last CPO to cover Northolt from LAP, his manor also including a  tring of RAF stations extending as far as Lyneham. Under the Reorganisation Agreement control was then taken over by an OCX in the Oils District. I worked there for some time as a PO on detached duty from LAP during this regime. However the visit was to see what Northolt does today. We were met and escorted  throughout by Ben Whittaker, a flight lieutenant who flew Typhoons and Tornados and is currently based at Northolt in a liaison capacity pending re-training. He shepherded us onto a coach and proved to be an excellent host, full of banter and witty remarks. We visited the control tower first, pausing to inspect innumerable photos of planes ancient and modern on the walls of the staircase beforeinspecting a remarkably clean and tidy, yet obviously well-used mess room. We then entered the dimly lighted control room with banks of computer screens indicating air traffic movements in and around Heathrow and the south east. The four stacks (two to the north and two to the south) were clearly marked, and the movements of aircraft approaching, circling within and leaving them to prepare for final approach. All in all a bewildering array of lights and call signs constantly flashing, especially when you add traffic to and from other airfields in the vicinity, helicopters moving along prescribed corridors (only police and ambulance helicopters allowed to deviate from the corridors) and a few unidentified blips from aircraft which had not yet “squawked” or were assumed to be purely local flying. Aircraft approaching Northolt use the same four stacks as Heathrow and are then talked down by a controller at Northolt who also operates the traffic lights to stop all traffic on West End Road at the end of the runway during take-off and landing. Once down, ground control take over for taxiing and parking. They occupy the top floor, with panoramic view, and also control movements of vehicles crossing run and taxiways. All departures from Northolt, irrespective of destination, turn north after takeoff to avoid Heathrow traffic. The coach then took us to the SERCO hangar which houses aircraft belonging to 32 Squadron – the Royal  Flight - which operates a fleet Bae 146s, Bae 125s and Agusta 109 helicopters. We looked over a BAe 125 registration ZD 620. The fuselage immaculately polished,and noted the missile counter measures device installed. Several members  ent on board to inspect the flight deck and cabin. I don’t think anyone sat in the Queen’s seat. Ben explained how pilots conducted pre-flight checks and what they looked for when walking round an aeroplane prior to a flight. It’s not just a matter of kicking the tyres! Ben told us something of the developments taking place at Northolt. A bomb disposal unit is based there, a British Forces PostOffice (BFPO) has moved in on transfer from Mill Hill. The Queen’s Colour Squadron and Central Band of the RAF are due to be based on site soon. In addition a few Royal Navy personnel will also be based there, so a truly multi-service site and the reason there is so much building taking place. Back in the coach, we then crossed the runway to the Southside Ops Building – the “terminal” in our language – and met Movements Section staff who showed us round. This is the building you see behind the gates as you flash by on the A 40.Today, in addition to the traditional UK and foreign armed forces flights, NATO, government and political VIPs, plus the Royal Flight, Northolt handles a considerable number of private and business jet aircraft, both foreign and domestic flights, used by tycoons, senior executives, top knobs, pop stars and the like – who use it for convenience, privacy, exclusivity or just to avoid paparazzi etc. Recent passengers included Madonna, Bono, Chris de Burgh and Philip Green. The RAF handle some of these flights and Northolt Jet Centre, a private business concern, handle the remainder. We then looked at the quite small Polish Lounge, dedicated to Polish veterans, which had a mustard and red décor and a “cigar box” containing Polish soil. Next was the Royal Lounge, spacious with several green, button – back leather 2-seater sofas and armchairs clustered together in one area, rather reminiscent of a 1950s West End Gentleman’s club or a corner of an up-market World of Leather showroom. The lounge was carpeted in a matching green carpet with a small pattern. Apart from a desk and chair there was very little furniture but plenty of room for attendants etc. to stand. Most members judged it rather formal and austere. The Other Distinguished Visitor’slounge next door was much more attractive, comfortable and welcoming, with softer furnishings, plenty of sofas and chairs, and a blue carpet with the same pattern as the Royal Lounge. The Royal Lounge is seldom used today as the royals generally prefer to disembark and get straight into their cars. The “terminal” building was adorned with photographs of royalty and aeroplanes, including several of a young Prince Philip in his Anson. Visitors’ books on display showed Northolt’s regular use by prime ministers over the years. As we left to rejoin the coach we noticed signs telling people not to smoke outside the building but to go “behind the bike sheds” on the other side of the service road. One thing which impressed me was the relaxed atmosphere between Officers and  other ranks. Everyone seemed to be on first name terms and good team working was apparent. Doubtless when top brass are visiting things change, but a squadron leader we met in Movements Control did say he only got fully uniformed up for 3 star generals and above. All in all a very successful visit enjoyed by all. We should have had two additional members but they arrived late due to faulty navigation and were unable to join us. Sid Brian - 2008

HEATHROW & WEST LONDON CERSA

Rolling Programme of Planned Events.

19.11.08 Wedneday Richmond Theatre Enjoy - A comedy by Alan Bennett

starring Alison Steadman .................................................Contact Norman on Tel:- 01784 251490

The Heathrow CERSA Christmas Lunch 2008 will beheld at the Winning Post in Whitton on Monday 1st December from around12 noon onwards.

Mohinder Mann has negotiated a good deal for the association with the result that a three course multi-choice menu Christmas dinner can be offered to members this year also for £15 per head including wine and coffee.

Please make a note of the date and contact : Mohinder on 01189 773623 ................... mohinder_mann@hotmail.com

Sid on 02 089 972 676 ........................... nickbri44@hotmail.com to book seats and receive details of the menu choices available. The Christmas Dinner is the main event of the year for Heathrow and West of London CERSA so do please make an effort to attend and fill the place out.

Notes on the 2008 Social Programme

Heathrow CERSA combines with other neighbouring groups for certain social events and activities arranged by them, particularly the London and Surrey & Hants association and activities planned by them will be advertised by us from time to time.

Future events of interest taken from the social programme of the Surrey/Hants CERSA include the following:-

Members of CERSA associations elsewhere in the region and friends of CERSA members are always welcome to events organised by the Heathrow CERSA.

****Lunch gatherings at the Winning Post Hotel in Whitton we meet from 12.15 onwards for an informal lunch at 13.00 hrs:

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