Who are we ?
We are a sub-committee of Eastchurch Parish Council but are composed of members representing Eastchurch and Leysdown Parish Councils, Sheppey Heritage, Swale Borough Council, Big Fish Band, education, local historians, local aviators and residents.
Our Aims and Objectives
- Showing the World the place in history, which the Isle of Sheppey has contributed to aviation; what was carried out and achieved here and elsewhere on the Island. E.g., The first aircraft factory, first flight by a British subject and issue of the 1st British Pilots Licence, Delta Wing aircraft and the first Ship launch of an aircraft.
- Raising awareness amongst Islanders and especially young people.
- Organising and conducting events to celebrate this history.
- Leaving some appropriate ‘landmark’ to record these events.
- Liasing with and complementing other Island based aviation proects.
- Raising funds as necessary to carry out the above functions.
Although not designated a front line Aerodrome in WWII, Eastchurch became very crowded with numerous Polish and British Fighter Squadrons and Coastal Command aircraft based here, or in transit. Eastchurch Aerodrome was the first to be attacked on Eagle Day the 13th. August 1940. Five Blenheims were wrecked together with all 6 Spitfires of 266 Squadron. 12 personnel were killed and 26 badly wounded. These raids continued throughout August into early September. The airfield continued as a forward operating and training base until the end of the war and was relinquished to the Home Office in 1950 to become England’s first ‘Open’ prison.
Committee (from 19th December 2008)
Fiona Jackson. Secretary of Committee flight100@hotmail.co.uk
Jim Stringer. Chairman. (Local Resident. Vintage Austin Register)
Cllr. Mike Brown. Vice-Chairman. (Eastchurch Parish Council & Sheppey Heritage Trust)
Members:
Cllr. Kathleen Carter (Eastchurch Parish Council)
Cllr. Bill Betts (Eastchurch Parish Council)
Cllr. Andy Booth (Eastchurch Parish Council & Swale Borough Council)
Paul Murray (Cheyne School)
David Hughes (Historian)
Chris Reed (Big Fish Band)
Advisory Members:
Cllr. Brenda Herdman (Leysdown Parish Council)
Lyn Newton (Regeneration Manager [Culture & Liveability] Swale B.C.)
Michael Loxton (Island Aviation)
Cllr. David Purssord (Leysdown Traders Association & Leysdown Parish Council)
Bill Croydon (Sheppey Heritage Trust)