Yorkshire airport marks 80 years of high life

Yesterday as proud bosses from Leeds Bradford Airport unveiled an exhibition detailing 80 glorious years the only question was what heights the airport could reach in future.

Civic leaders joined community representatives to celebrate the achievements of the airport at Leeds Central Library with a fascinating collection of photographs and previously unseen memorabilia charting the history of the airport through the decades.

The exhibition traces the airport’s journey from its humble beginnings in October 1931 at Yeadon aerodrome to its development as Yorkshire’s gateway airport linking millions of leisure and business passengers to the world.

Among the special guests were Walter Dixon of Wetherby Road, Leeds, who orginally served as member of the 609 (West Riding) Squadron when the site was an aerodrome.

Mr Dixon, who recently celebrated his 101st birthday, said his recollections stretch back to 1936 when he first set eyes on it.

He said: “It was just a field, there was no runway and there was a covered depot hangar. I’m very proud to attend today, it’s been very enjoyable.”

Almost rivalling him in the longevity stakes was Vera Marland, 92, from Otley who also attended the event.

It was her job to check the Tiger Moth pilots ‘in and out’ before she went to work in the Avro Factory during World War Two.

She said: “I have enjoyed myself very much and it brought some memories flying back.

“I have been living on memories for a very long time and they are very good memories.”

In his speech to more than 70 guests, John Parkin, chief executive of Leeds Bradford Airport said:“It’s a rather marvellous exhibition of the airport’s 80th year.

“It’s terrific to see so many old friends, business partners and members of the general public and old staff...

“What is it that makes the airport special?

“I think this gathering makes that point. It touches the heart and fabric of the region and our role in the community is really important to us.”

He added that the exhibition had been the “opportunity to bring together belongings and some super stuff has come out of lofts and garages and suitcases and walls in kitchens from all around the region.”

As well as a rich gallery of photographs detailing the changing decades the exhibition is home to all manner of rare and unusual memorabilia.

These include a BKS uniform from Mrs June Moore, a member of the cabin crew in the 1960s as well as rare embroideries of 1934-1945 airplanes by Dorothy Browning loaned by Bill Hudson of Guiseley.

She was the first lady who learnt to fly from Leeds Bradford in the early 1930s and was only able to afford the lessons thanks to a legal settlement agreed after she was jilted by her fiance.

She went to court and sued for an unfulfilled marriage proposal and learned to fly on the proceeds.

Mr Parkin added: “Leeds Bradford Airport has a long and fascinating history and we are proud to celebrate our 80th anniversary with the launch of this special exhibition at Leeds Central Library.

“I am delighted that the local community, our passengers and staff have joined forces to showcase previously unseen photographs and a unique collection of memorabilia.

“The heritage of this airport, and the role it has played in the development of the region through the decades, is important and these exhibits provide a personal insight into how the aviation industry has progressed.Looking to the future, the terminal construction work which is scheduled for completion by the start of summer 2012, marks an important milestone in the development of Yorkshire’s gateway airport and our desire to provide the very best facilities for our rapidly growing numbers of customers and airlines.”

Ken Cothliff, a local aviation historian, author and display coordinator will be touring with the memorabilia and his new book Yeadon Above the Rest.

He said: “During the course of writing Yeadon Above the Rest for the 80th anniversary I have been able to gather lots of information about the airport’s rich history and in doing so have met some fantastic members of the community and airport staff who have brought the story to life.

“It has been a true labour of love.”