FLYING ADVENTURE

EASTWARD HO! ...

Martin Ferid travels to Beccles in the ancient English county of Suffolk – home to artists, musicians and – aspiring archaeologists…

Even for the most Panglossian commentators among us, this has been a testing year, and the glorious 12th could NOT come quickly enough. The 12th in question is not the one in August, which heralds the start of the grouse shooting season, not that there’s too much that’s glorious about shooting innocent wildlife; but rather the date in April selected for the easing of a bout of flying restrictions. Solo flights had already been permissible for two weeks, but with everyone and his uncle out of currency, those first few flights were sure to be filled with a mixture of emotions.

Being airborne again after any length of time evokes feelings that can range from pure delight to abject fear, and very likely everything in between. Being scared is no fun, but in truth, the lucky ones manage to blow off the cobwebs in an hour or two and emerge from the cockpit full of vernal joy. Above The small Suffolk market town of Beccles stands on the River Waveney, on the edge of the Broads National Park and makes a pleasant destination for a weekend or longer away. Others are most definitely behind the aircraft and a decision has to be made on the best way forward. Simply being diffident and doing nothing, merely exacerbates the situation for the next time. I know it’s not macho admitting to the anxiety, and the Yorkie bars or builders bum go some way in hiding the truth, but there are tell-tale signs if you look for them. On the ground, the systematic, well-oiled routine becomes more of a haphazard flit from one task to another and airborne, the controls are searched for in a distracted and clumsy manner, rather than handled intuitively. Then there is a final group whereby the sum-of-theparts can be so overwhelming that the ‘Captain’ has little mental capacity remaining for a safe or enjoyable flight. For those that experience feelings of uncertainty or vulnerability, you are not alone, and things can be done to alleviate the majority of concerns.

Left The River Waveney meanders across the East Anglian countryside, inspiring recollections of Swallows and Amazons. There are plenty of opportunities to take to the water.

Firstly, and probably most importantly, give yourself time. Rushing to squeeze in a flight after work on the way home may have been fine, under normal circumstances, but whatever this last year has given us, it is certainly not the definition of ‘normal’. It should go without saying to choose a nice day, not only weather-wise but also, a day when you possess a positive mental attitude. The fact that Bill and Ben have gone flying should not add undue pressure or be a defining factor. A decent cloud base, 5-10kt down the runway and visibility from Land’s End to John O’Groats works for me! Stiff crosswinds and poor visibility can be left for another day, as anything less than ideal is likely to stress a pilot with rusty skills. Taking an Instructor or LAA coach with you is by far the best option, the cost is negligible and those first few flights can be approached in a much more relaxed manner.

After not having used my trusted two-wheeled stallion for months, there was a feeling of optimism in preparing it for the road and its MoT. On the way to the garage, I realised that I hadn’t given a second thought to the forthcoming ride. There was no fuss, no problem, and although it was a comparatively sedate journey, the bike seemed to fit in with the other traffic more or less as it was meant to. Having the metaphorical wind through my hair coupled with the thrills of riding again, resulted in the lyrics of Patrick Hernandez’s Born to be Alive running through my head. That degree of comfort and confidence is what we would all like in aviation and achieving it is no great secret. Just fly more! For most pilots, ‘more’ doesn’t mean the promise you make yourself every year, or an hour or two more but, significantly more. The minimums are just set for a basic ‘standard of safety’ and not expected to produce the degree of confidence we may like. Another incentive for making flying a priority right now is the possibility of another lockdown. It’s a good idea for pilots to book their biennial revalidations and get their hours in as early as possible, as the CAA doesn’t appear to be granting further extensions.

Other serious considerations are the technical gremlins that are prone to infiltration after any period of inactivity. It’s not the wisest of moves to have a cursory walk around, kick the tyres and gun the engine. Last month, we did the equivalent of a permit inspection on the mower that cuts the runways. It was not just a case of a bit of grease here and there, the fuel tank was removed, the fuel lines replaced and the carburettor inspected etc. The result should have given us a trouble-free year as the whole machine was running smoothly. And it did, until halfway through its first cut when it stopped without warning, with fuel flowing out of the carburettor. After a closer look, the synopsis was that ethanol in the fuel had made the float sufficiently porous, so it could no longer shut off the fuel flow. It was sudden, unexpected and more than a little inconvenient, but as the mower only ever stays on the ground, there was no lasting harm. As far as preventative maintenance goes, we couldn’t have done more, and there is no full-proof answer, but a good inspection makes sense and to quote a famous Sergeant in Hill Street Blues, “Let’s be careful out there!” I shall now depart the lectern, leaving it to more knowledgeable folk, only to add that it’s great to be back in the air and wonderful to be flying again! A question that is often asked is whether the time and effort associated with this activity of ours is really worthwhile? Well, the frustration can be disheartening, particularly with needless bureaucracy, technical issues and unreliable engineers. Oh! and the weather, of course, but all in all, the simple answer is – Yup! Especially when you get to fall in love with the wonderment of flight all over again each season.

For those with a penchant for good old-fashioned, Anglo Saxon words, it is said that Beccles comes from the word ‘clisson’, meaning ‘an enclosure’. Although others have translated its meaning as ‘pasture by the stream’. Either way, it lies in Suffolk, more or less 12 miles due west of Lowestoft. Being the UK’s most easterly airport makes it the closest to Holland, at around an hour across the North Sea. The airfield is about three miles to the south-east of

Beccles, at the village of Ellough (population, less than 100). In the Doomsday Book, it is listed as Elga, consisting of four or five families. Interestingly, William the Conqueror’s inspectors were dispatched to document the number ‘hundreds’ (administrative regions) and ‘hides’ throughout the land. A ‘hide’ being 120 acres, the minimum land decreed to sustain a family. Once the hides were established and documented, instead of using the information for philanthropic purposes, it was used as a means of determining taxes that duly filled William’s coffers. The airfield is one of the many built for use of the US during WWII and became operational in 1943. Shortly after it served as the HQ for RAF Coastal Command and RAF Bomber Command. These days it is home to Rain Air flying club www.becclesaviation.com, a Parachute Club ukparachuting.co.uk/, as well as a Microlight School – MidAnglia Microlights mamicrolight.co.uk/ In general, I tend to view one airfield much like another, as in truth, they are much the same. Well, that’s not the case at Beccles anymore. The landing fees have been reduced to £10, with tea and coffee included. The place has been fully refurbished and B&B is available on site with three rooms available, plus camping under the wing is perfectly acceptable.

The restaurant serves good café-type meals at a reasonable price and the outside terrace has a marquee in case of less than clement weather. The runway has also been refurbished and if you plan to go, and you really should, give Mandy a call on 07920 067285 for a friendly welcome. With all the doom and gloom, it is so refreshing that at least one airfield is thinking positively and investing in the long-term future of aviation.

A bite to eat…

Posh Pigs Café is a 20-minute walk from the nearby Industrial Estate. Turn right out of the airfield for one of the cleanest, friendly cafés I've come across. 17, Ellough, Beccles NR34 7TD. 01502 717596 The Three Horseshoes Pub requires a left turn out of the airfield and follow the road for about 25 minutes. Alternatively, if you ask nicely, you can walk across the runway and over the fields saving a few minutes, and it’s also a much more pleasant walk. North Cove, Beccles NR34 7PH 01502 476601 thethreehorseshoesnorthcove.co.uk/ The Waveney House Restaurant is located at the hotel in the town. Picture a summer’s day, a taxi from the airfield,

Above Glamping with an aeronautical theme. This Lynx is an Afghanistan and Hollywood veteran, and is quite modestly priced.

Left Beccles Tower was built in the early 1500s and stands 97ft (29m) tall. If you are feeling energetic you can climb the 122 steps to the top and enjoy views across the town and Broads. Norfolk is just across the Waveney.

lunch on the terrace and the tranquillity of watching the boats along the river. Life shouldn’t seem so bad after all. If you’re looking for nouvelle cuisine with light, delicate food and a plate adorned with a pretty display, you’re going to be disappointed. This is an area for pubs serving pies, steaks etc, plus cafés and ethnic restaurants. Bearing in mind that I’m a wine lover, I can also be tempted by a nice lager or bitter and Adnams, my second favourite bitter, is brewed locally at nearby Southwold. adnams.co.uk

Out & about…

The SJL9 is the bus to get from near the airfield into Beccles, but first, you have to walk to the phone box at Henstead with Hulver Street. The whole journey should take around 45 minutes, although a taxi would have you in town in 10 minutes or so.

Going in the other direction to the coast at Lowestoft by public transport is not straight forward, as the train runs from Beccles and takes about an hour-and-a-half all told. Lowestoft has an abundance of typical seaside places to stay or eat, a few museums and is about 20 minutes away by taxi. The Farmers Market is conveniently located at the airfield and takes place twice a month. It has been running for around 20 years and I sometimes visit armed with an ice pack and a cool bag for fresh fish, Suffolk sausages and other locally made produce. Why? Simply because I can! becclesfarmersmarket.co.uk/ Henstead Exotic Garden. For anyone with a horticultural bent, the garden is interesting, with a tropical feel about it. hensteadexoticgarden.co.uk/ Beccles and District Museum is small but free to enter, although a donation is appreciated. It details the history of the town and the surrounding area. becclesmuseum.org.uk/ Beccles Public Hall & Theatre. An idea for a night of culture, if staying in the town for a couple of nights or so and tickets are generally available. becclespublichall.co.uk/ Big Dog Ferry runs excursions along the river and is owned by the same company that operates the lido. bigdogferry.co.uk

And so to sleep…

The Waveney House Hotel sits on the banks of River Waveney close to the centre of town. Being one of the nicer hotels, it is well worth a weekend away. Expect to pay around £120 per night depending on when you go. Puddingmoor, Beccles NR34 9PL. Tel: 01502 712270 waveneyhousehotel.co.uk/ Glamping in a Lynx AH9A Helicopter can be found less than 15 minutes away by taxi in the other direction, near the sea at Kessingland. The helicopter is not just an attraction but the location for a wacky weekend away, as it has been converted into a glamping pod, with the back serving as the bedroom. This particular Lynx saw service in Afghanistan, after which it was used by Hollywood in the Fast & Furious films before being purchased by the current owners. It costs around £75 per night and is only a short walk from the beach. airbnb.co.uk/rooms/41373024? Three Rivers Campsite is the place to make the most of the great outdoors at a lovely location with all of the facilities and none of the hardships. Camping is available for anything from a motorhome to a one-man tent, with bikes and boats available for rent.threeriverscamping.co.uk.

Walking around the town is quite pleasant, but the real charm of the place is messing on, in or around the river. Above Beccles town sign depicts Queen Elizabeth I handing the Charter of the Corporation of Beccles to John Baas Port Reeve in 1584. This could easily be the 1930s set for Arthur Ransome’s Swallows and Amazons. If you’ve never read the adventures of John, Nancy, Susan, Peggy, Titty and Roger, dig out some children and make a point of doing so, for their sakes, naturally! Apart from an abundance of ‘little blighters’, be on the lookout for kingfishers, otters, marsh harriers and other birds of prey.

Whether it’s a ride on the ferry, lazing on the banks with a picnic, or something comestible at one of the pubs or restaurants, the settings are hard to beat. Canoes and paddle boards are available for hire, but for a truly, memorable day out, try hiring one of the day boats. Boats are available for up to six people for around £110. hippersons.co.uk.

The appeal of mooring up for lunch at the idyllic setting of a 14th Century Inn must even permeate the most ardent Victor Meldrews among us. With holidays abroad currently off the menu, a boating holiday cruising the Broads may just put life back into a better perspective. ■

Go touring with the author…

Martin Ferid is a Class Rating Instructor and Revalidation Examiner who specialises in accompanying qualified pilots throughout the UK and Europe in their aircraft. As a confidencebuilding exercise, either as day trips or for a few days at a time, just get in touch. The ‘favourite destinations’ on the website should provide some inspiration, or try the ‘bit of fun’ section on the contact page for wet weather days. Email: lightaircrafttraining@yahoo.com Tel: 07598 880178 Website: www.lightaircrafttraining.co.uk Next month: Haverfordwest (EGFE) in Pembrokeshire, Wales.