Visited with DragonFlame. It's been nearly a year since I last visited Upper Heyford, so it was fantastic to see it all again. Initially we had the Commissioned Officer's Club in the itinerary but it was unfortunately off limits due to contractors doing surveys in there prior to conversion to a school. So instead we hit the Avionics, Shelter #15 of the 55th Fighter Squadron aka Heartbreaker and the bunker of the Security Police HQ.
Was a really interesting and brilliant day to say the very least, starting off by bumping into the contractor checking up on the hospital and BX. Called him over and he used to be a maintenance worker at the base, and told us all about the hospital and what it was like inside. (Note: It's currently sealed to the hilt and OOB to everyone due to asbestos and chav damage, but having spoken to various people it's clear that no-one is ruling out a possible permission visit so if I manage to go through the channels expect an improved report!). Also watched Thames Valley Police doing armed response training (fully equipped with guns) on the communal side which ruled out looking at the dorms, not that I'd not seen them anyway though! Indeed, they were all over the flying field doing training for the Olympics this year, such as car chase exercises. But above all, the last 2 buildings have only been entered once since closure in 1994 and according to the heritage group are not accessible on tours so I raise my glass to Don Todd and Karen for letting us in happily! Of course H&S applies, but if you see it the way I do then Heyford Park care far more about those with a genuine interest in the place than being jobsworths about it! If you're in the area do NOT miss a tour with Don, 'cause his entertaining stories are worth the trip alone!
Building 299, Avionics
I have to be honest I was slightly disappointed with this in a way because it's largely just a vast empty building, but it's still worth looking at for some of the features and the atmosphere! On a side note, given that some of the electrics were sabotaged it was pitch black inside making it one hell of a challenge to get good photographs in for an SLR that is rubbish with noise (shot at ISO400 w/o knowing)!
Shelter 15 of the 55th Fighter Squadron aka Heartbreaker
It was a true privilege to see this building, being off limits (apparently) and also to be one of the first to enter since 1993! Bar countless rabbit turds, it has survived the ravages of time perfectly. Again like the Avionics it was a bitch to light paint being a vast empty space with the shelter doors closed!
Security Police HQ - Airfield Bunker
As far as the bunkers go here, with the exception of the restored communications bunker (that they forgot to strip apparently!) this is the best you will see. By far the most unique anyway. Unfortunately the armoury was accessed from behind and was boarded up and secure.
So there you have it, some of the best stuff this place has to offer. Until June, with much love
x
Was a really interesting and brilliant day to say the very least, starting off by bumping into the contractor checking up on the hospital and BX. Called him over and he used to be a maintenance worker at the base, and told us all about the hospital and what it was like inside. (Note: It's currently sealed to the hilt and OOB to everyone due to asbestos and chav damage, but having spoken to various people it's clear that no-one is ruling out a possible permission visit so if I manage to go through the channels expect an improved report!). Also watched Thames Valley Police doing armed response training (fully equipped with guns) on the communal side which ruled out looking at the dorms, not that I'd not seen them anyway though! Indeed, they were all over the flying field doing training for the Olympics this year, such as car chase exercises. But above all, the last 2 buildings have only been entered once since closure in 1994 and according to the heritage group are not accessible on tours so I raise my glass to Don Todd and Karen for letting us in happily! Of course H&S applies, but if you see it the way I do then Heyford Park care far more about those with a genuine interest in the place than being jobsworths about it! If you're in the area do NOT miss a tour with Don, 'cause his entertaining stories are worth the trip alone!
Building 299, Avionics
I have to be honest I was slightly disappointed with this in a way because it's largely just a vast empty building, but it's still worth looking at for some of the features and the atmosphere! On a side note, given that some of the electrics were sabotaged it was pitch black inside making it one hell of a challenge to get good photographs in for an SLR that is rubbish with noise (shot at ISO400 w/o knowing)!
Shelter 15 of the 55th Fighter Squadron aka Heartbreaker
It was a true privilege to see this building, being off limits (apparently) and also to be one of the first to enter since 1993! Bar countless rabbit turds, it has survived the ravages of time perfectly. Again like the Avionics it was a bitch to light paint being a vast empty space with the shelter doors closed!
Security Police HQ - Airfield Bunker
As far as the bunkers go here, with the exception of the restored communications bunker (that they forgot to strip apparently!) this is the best you will see. By far the most unique anyway. Unfortunately the armoury was accessed from behind and was boarded up and secure.
So there you have it, some of the best stuff this place has to offer. Until June, with much love
x
