Speke Airport as she was

Here's some photographs of the old Speke Airport I thought you may find interesting. The first two, originally 35mm slides, were taken by my grandfather William Cross sometime in the early 1960s. The first shows a Lockheed Super Constellation, also known as a 'Connie', being refuelled with the River Mersey behind. I wish I still had my 'Dinky Toy' versions of these vehicles- they've be worth a bit by now!

http://www.chesterwalls.info/gallery...s/airport.jpeg

As the next picture (of my mother) shows, the airport at this time was popular among Liverpool families as a venue for a 'good day out'. I certainly loved it- that's me behind my mother hanging eagerly over the rail and watching a DC3 arriving at the terminal.

http://www.chesterwalls.info/gallery.../airport2.jpeg

Liverpool is one of the UK's oldest operational airports, first thought of as an idea in 1928 with scheduled flights commencing in 1930 and an 'official' opening ceremony some 3 years later on 1 July 1933.
In the early 1930s, the airport had operated from a converted farmhouse (illustrated below) which acted both as terminal building and- with the assistance of an improvised superstructure added to an attic window- as control tower.
The aircraft in the photograph is a De Haviland DH86A belonging to British Continental Airways of Croydon.

http://www.chesterwalls.info/gallery.../airport3.jpeg

Major changes took place in the late 1930s following the growth in passenger traffic through Liverpool, particularly on flights across the Irish Sea, when the handsome dedicated passenger terminal and new aircraft hangars were built.
A further, longer, runway was added in 1966. A new modern passenger terminal was opened in 1986 and the 1930s building (illustrated below) was renovated and expanded to become the Marriott Liverpool South Hotel, whilst the original hangars were converted into a leisure centre. A further new terminal building and control tower were added in 2002 and further expansion continues to the present.

http://www.chesterwalls.info/gallery...s/airport4.jpg

I have also posted a remakable set of images of the King's Cup Air Race competitors at the airport, dating from around 1934. They have never been published before so enjoy.

great pics. I remember being taking to the airport by my parents in the early 70's to watch planes take off. wish we'd had a camera then.
I was thrilled to see them so close. Had to wait another 30 years before I actually got to fly in one.

See the 'Some of my old stuff'

Been rooting again last night, this pic is from a Welcome to Liverpool for the World Cup 1966 book I have.


http://img137.imageshack.us/img137/8...lcome66lv6.jpg






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Good pics all.:handclap:

Nice pics of the old airport.

A DATE FOR YOUR DIARY

SUNDAY 29th JUNE 2008 Airport anniversary celebrations:-

Link at http://www.fola.org.uk/annual.html

News on vintage bus participation is very encouraging.
The XL 171 Airporter restoration project is really moving along. The bus has been pulled out of ‘deep’ storage and the old engine ran more or less straight away after many years of slumber.
Arriva have generously offered mega-help with the restoration. The plan is to move XL 171 fairly soon to Arriva’s bodywork facility at Bootle for panel and painting work and re-tiring etc. after we have comleted the necessary mechanical work.
Thank you so much Arriva We are continuing to plan the use of other vintage buses on the 29th June to offer free travel from the city centre to the old terminal/Marriott Hotel. (See also: www.mttrust.co.uk )


Nice Alan williams pic of the Airporter at Lime St Stn
http://coaches-aplenty.fotopic.net/p12870551.html

regards Rob

marked that in my diary. Arriva being helpful eh? now there's a novelty!

looking forward to traveling on a proper bus again

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Originally Posted by quincyg

marked that in my diary. Arriva being helpful eh? now there's a novelty!

looking forward to traveling on a proper bus again

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Hi Karen

I'll let you know of some other local jaunts!

Yep its ARRIVA Speke sponsoring us on this one.

Regards

Rob

Hi Steve

Very interesting pictures and information. I never knew that the original Speke Airport control tower was a converted farmhouse. I wonder how old that house was: nineteenth century, eighteenth century, even earlier? From that photograph, it looks as if it was quite old.

Chris

Hi Chris,
Yes indeed. I'd certainly like to know more of the farm that was here before the airport arrived.
You can see the old farmhouse again in a couple of the '1934 King's Cup Air Race' photos..

Quote:

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Originally Posted by knowhowe

Hi Chris,
Yes indeed. I'd certainly like to know more of the farm that was here before the airport arrived.
You can see the old farmhouse again in a couple of the '1934 King's Cup Air Race' photos..

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Hi Steve

I am sure it could be traced back in old land records as well as period maps. If you research it, I would be very interested to know what you might discover.

Chris