Greenham Common Control Tower
3 Nov 2019
On Sunday 03 Nov 19 WFTR members assembled at Hartley Wintney for a short 24 mile run across to the Greenham Common Control Tower near Newbury. We had 5 classics and 4 street cars with Jenny & Barry, Steve & Tim, Richard & Mike, Steve & Chris, Mike & Lynda, Tim & Avis, Graham & Michelle, David Hankin & Julie and Karl Boulton & Steve. The weather was dry and sunny so 2 of the classics had their soft tops down and we all enjoyed the picturesque backroad route chosen. We met up with John Townend at the Tower.
Volunteers at the Tower made us most welcome with classics parked in prime position to the front of the building. Coffee and cakes we’re taken in the very cosy and friendly cafe before we went upstairs to the viewing area for a presentation by two volunteers. The panoramic view was excellent and we could see how the one time 3 leg runway has been removed with the area being returned to nature in the form of the Common. We heard of a very rich history centred mainly around the use of the airfield by the Americans and several history making events. This was amplified by the excellent pictorial presentation one floor down spread over two rooms. Time for a quick walk and a look at the memorials to the front of the building then 15 of us set off for the Red House Pub and Restaurant in Highclere where we had a very nice lunch meal. A great day out thoroughly enjoyed by all.
For anyone not having visited the Control Tower I recommend this as a half day must do visit, see
https://www.greenhamtower.org.uk for more info.
