Useful or beautiful

[Nemesis]

http://www.royalsoced.org.uk/events/icon_plenderleith08.pdf


Adam tells me the poster is possibly better that the talk will be, but I'm sure that's not the case.

But it's a lovely pic of the windtunnels at Farnborough, which he helped to save.

A blast from the past:

http://www.savebritainsheritage.org/farnborough/farnborough2.htm

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/magazine/3131165.stm

 

[chuckey]

As we slide downhil from being THE premier scientific nation to a importer of foreign goods, basing our economy on "services", I think these sort of places are a reminder to our grandchildren as to our former place in the world order. Who knows, it might actually inspire some kids to think about something other then their fifteen minutes of fame.

Look what happened to the Brooklands site, if it had remained intact, it would be the most fantastic race track in the whole world.

Perhaps if some of the historic aircraft collection that are housed else where (Yeovilton, Duxford etc), could be moved there, it would be a World heritage site. This could be the spur ($$$$) to Slough estates to stop their vandalism.
Frank

 

[Nemesis]

Well, they have stopped, although sadly a number of buildings went before the SAVE campaign made them see the light. I thnk copies of Adam's report is still available from the SAVE office (publications)

ENOUGH HAS BEEN BULLDOZED! SAVE FARNBOROUGH, THE CRADLE OF BRITISH AVIATION £5 (£4)
A lightning publication from SAVE, with the aim of raising awareness of the importance of Farnborough to the nation's history. It looks at the remarkable collection of buildings that make up what remains of the former Royal Aircraft Establishment site at Farnborough and suggests new uses for the buildings and the site. Published December 2001/January 2002.

http://www.savebritainsheritage.org

I agree about Brooklands, grim how much was lost, although it was a desperately dangerous place and I doubt much would be allowed to run there in anger these days.

http://www.brooklands.org.uk/

http://www.brooklandsarchives.com/

Great to see all this now on youtube:

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=Z8Mo8Kj2txs

 

[Penners]

I'm not absolutely sure that I see the connection between all this and William Morris. Granted a wind-tunnel is useful, but I don't think I'd have one in my home.

 

[Pford75]

Look what happened to the Brooklands site, if it had remained intact, it would be the most fantastic race track in the whole world.

Frank - I have to disagree with you on this. In terms of setting, facilties, excitement for spectators etc. Dubai is the premier racetrack location in the world, whether it's horses or cars. I speak as someone who has followed both in various locations around the world. There is much to criticise in places like Dubai, but boy do they know how to do sporting events.

http://www.meydan.ae/news/the-unveiling-of-Meydan.asp

 

[Nemesis]

But hardly with the history of Brooklands!

http://www.gtr.co.uk/forum/95390-my-visit-brooklands-worlds-first-race-track.html

 

[Pford75]

But hardly with the history of Brooklands

Agreed....but then the post didn't mention history....it simply claimed it would have been the most fantastic racecourse in the world. "Most historic racecourse in the world"....agreed......but if it's fantasy you're after, there's nothing to beat Dubai

 

[Nemesis]

Le Mans - Nurburgring - Donington...

and all with some history.

 

[Nemesis]

Spa - Monza...

this new build is all very well, but...

 

[Flyfisher]

And all had no history when they were first built.

 

[Nemesis]

Ah but we are talking about now, are we not? We have no idea if Dubai will become anything other than a good try but...

and it's about geegees but that's not the sort of horsepower we are talking about, is it?