Claim OwnershipThe Avro Heritage Museum Podcast
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© Avro Heritage Museum
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Interviews with those who flew the iconic Avro aircraft and those who worked on them.
The Avro Heritage Museum preserves for future generations the legacy of British aviation pioneer Sir Alliott Verdon-Roe and the aircraft manufacturing company he founded, A.V. Roe and Co (Avro).
Sited on the former Woodford Aerodrome, the Museum's mission is to keep alive North West England's proud aviation history.
The Avro Heritage Museum preserves for future generations the legacy of British aviation pioneer Sir Alliott Verdon-Roe and the aircraft manufacturing company he founded, A.V. Roe and Co (Avro).
Sited on the former Woodford Aerodrome, the Museum's mission is to keep alive North West England's proud aviation history.
35 Episodes
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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 bravery, sacrifice, and the complex emotions of those who served. Join us as we uncover the untold stories of wartime pilots and the legacy they left behind.
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 mission, the invaluable contributions of ex-AVRO personnel, and the passion that drives their commitment to preserving aviation history.
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 their friendship blossomed and the formation of the Manchester Aviation Society. Join us as we explore the rich history of Avro and the passion that fueled these two remarkable individuals!
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 encounters, humorous antics, and the joy he finds in guiding visitors at the Avro Heritage Museum. Join us for a delightful exploration of aviation history through Ron's eyes!
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 importance of preserving its legacy.
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 WWII American aircraft nose artist, blending his love for aviation and art. Discover the motivations that inspire him and the journey that brought him back to his roots.
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 faced during the Falklands War. Join us for an insightful look into the world of military aviation and the secrets of the skies!
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 international flight trials. He also reflects on the changes in technology and workforce diversity within the industry over the years. Join us as we explore Andy's passion for aviation and the lighter moments from his extensive career.
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 security alert during a visit to RAF Kinloss and his involvement in the Jetstream 41's crashworthiness report for the Civil Aviation Authority. With a touch of nostalgia, John reflects on the camaraderie and social events that defined his time as an AVRO apprentice, leaving listeners with a sense of pride in the legacy of Avro.
In this exciting second part of our conversation with Avro veteran John Nicol, we delve into the significant transition from the Chadderton factory to Woodford. John shares his thrilling experiences of witnessing aircraft parts come together and take flight, reminiscing about his time working on Nimrods, 146s, and ATPs.He also provides fascinating insights into the early days of aircraft design, including the unique uses of linen drawing sheets. Join us for this captivating journey through aviation history!
In this episode, we sit down with John Nichol, a veteran of the Avro Heritage Museum, who shares his remarkable journey from apprentice to facilities manager.Starting his apprenticeship in 1960, John recounts his experiences working on iconic aircraft such as the Shackleton, Vulcan, and Nimrod. He reflects on the Avro apprenticeship scheme, his hands-on training, and memorable anecdotes from his early days in the industry, including an incident with a Ford Anglia and the challenges of working during the Cuban crisis. Join us as we explore the rich history of Avro through John's eyes.
We welcome back Jeff Brown, a former mid-upper gunner and Avro employee, who shares his fascinating experiences with Ray Reeder from the Vulcan restoration team. Together, they delve into the intricacies of armaments for the Vulcan, discuss Jeff's unique transition from propeller-driven to jet-powered aircraft, and reflect on significant visits to various RAF bases. With captivating anecdotes and insights into the world of aviation, this episode is a must-listen for aviation enthusiasts!
We sit down with 100-year-old Lancaster veteran Roy Lawrence.Roy shares his remarkable journey from a young boy in India to becoming a flight engineer in the RAF during World War II. He reflects on the challenges and dangers of flying missions in Lancaster bombers, the camaraderie among crew members, and the profound impact of loss during the war. Join us as we honour his memories and the sacrifices made by those who served.
Sergeant Jeff Brown served as a mid-upper gunner on Lancasters in World War II under the leadership of a New Zealand skipper. In today's recording, Jeff shares his still-vivid memories of Operation Manna, a humanitarian food drop made in Avro Lancasters to relieve the starving Dutch population in World War II's closing stages. Jeff recalls seeing the civilians, especially the children, rushing to open the boxes that his aircraft had dropped. Jeff flew on these kinds of operations right up to the last day of the war, on VE Day itself. He recalls the gratitude of the Dutch people on the day with thank you messages spelt out in flowers on the ground. And for the very much longer term, and moving to much more recent times, we hear about tea with King Charles. We're very grateful to the Tameside Talking newspaper for the blind and visually impaired for permitting us to use their recording.
We welcome back Jeff Brown, a Lancaster veteran, as he revisits the museum and shares fascinating insights from his time in the Avro design office. Join us for an exclusive tour of the CAE building, where Jeff encounters notable exhibits, including the Avro 707 and the Yellow Sun nuclear device trailer. Discover the intricate details of bomb handling equipment and the memories that these artifacts evoke for Jeff, including his experiences during World War II and the development of the iconic Vulcan bomber. This episode is a heartfelt tribute to aviation history and the remarkable contributions of those who served.
Roger Newton and Trevor Jackson, two veterans of the aviation industry who share their fascinating experiences from the Woodford and Chadderton sites. Join us as we uncover tales from the shop floor, the challenges of top-secret projects during the Falklands War, and the camaraderie that defined their careers. From amusing anecdotes about memorable visitors like the King of Tonga and Prince Philip to insights into the apprenticeship schemes that launched their journeys, this episode is a treasure trove of aviation history and nostalgia.
Stephen Barron reflects on his extensive career in aerospace that began with his apprenticeship at Woodford in 1979. Stephen shares insightful anecdotes about his time working on iconic aircraft such as the Buccaneer and Nimrod, revealing the intricate details of aircraft assembly and the importance of mentorship in shaping his career. He also discusses the emotional impact of Woodford's closure, the relationships between workforce and management, and the evolution of the aerospace industry. Join us for a nostalgic journey through the skies of aviation history!
Ray Reeder shares his remarkable journey from a successful plumbing career to becoming an integral part of the Vulkan XM603 restoration team. With a passion for aviation and a strong family connection to the RAF, Ray discusses the challenges faced during the restoration process, including the daunting task of finding missing instrumentation. He also reveals how innovative solutions, like Wi-Fi remote control for the bomb bay doors, were implemented to enhance the visitor experience. Join us as Ray takes us through the fascinating world of aircraft restoration and the camaraderie of the dedicated team behind the Vulcan XM603's revival.
Frank Pleszak delves into the early life of Roy Clark, a man whose childhood was profoundly shaped by the events of World War II. From his memories of living on a farm near Ringway Airport during the 1940s invasion scare to his first lessons in aeronautics from soldiers, Roy shares his fascinating experiences during a tumultuous time. Join us for a nostalgic journey filled with anecdotes and insights.
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