New Flight Training School to be Opened in 'Ginger' Lacey's Honour
Fri 29th July 2016
Beverley Airfield at Leven has been the home of Hull Aero Club for the last 25 years.
The Club was originally based at the Hull Municipal Aerodrome at Hedon where Amy Johnson landed on her return from her recordbreaking flight to Australia on August 11th 1930.
She was greeted by a sea of fans, well-wishers and the Mayor and Mayoress of Hull and made a speech about her journey which attendees still remember!
The opening of a new flight training school is a rewarding moment for the privately-owned aero club and, after significant investment, is just one of the recent improvements made at the airfield.
However, the club members, who all contribute to the success of the Club, will feel very proud on August 20th when the school is officially opened by ‘Ginger’ Lacey’s daughter, Min, who has kindly agreed to allow her father’s name to grace the school.
Squadron Leader James Harry ‘Ginger’ Lacey DFM and Bar and Croix de Guerre, was a WW2 Spitfire pilot who shot down 28 enemy aircraft, damaged 9 and contributed to the demise of 5 more. He was on duty on the first and last days of the war. He was one of the highest scoring pilots at the Battle of Britain. Ginger was a Yorkshireman, born in Knaresborough, who lived and died in Bridlington. He was a flying instructor at the Yorkshire Flying School before the war.
He remained in the RAF until 1967 after which he ran his own air freight and flying school business in Bridlington. Ginger died at the age of 72 in 1989.
There is a commemorative plaque at Bridlington Priory Church, but naming the Hull Aero Club flight training school after him is so fitting as training others to fly was such an important part of his life.
The new training school has two multi-use briefing rooms with the latest audio-visual equipment which brings a new experience to flight training and ground school activities. There is also an extension to the Clubhouse planned to welcome more flying and social members, guests and visitors.
The Aero Club plan a real celebration on the day the Ginger Lacey Flight Training School is opened on August 20th, as it also coincides with the anniversary of Amy Johnson’s incredible achievement.
Called ‘Wings and Wheels’ there will be a 40’s themed event with static displays of aircraft and vehicles; flying displays including The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight; helicopters; vintage aircraft; bar, food and refreshments; re-enactments and more.
There will be a band performing, too! The fun starts at 10am with flying displays at 1pm, weather permitting (although there will be vintage aircraft arriving before then). There will also be the opportunity to take pleasure flights in a Harvard T6 vintage aircraft and Jetranger Helicopter, and 40s dress is optional!
Beverley Airfield is always welcoming to visitors who might wish to take a pleasure or trial flight in one of the club aircraft or a microlight. With the new training school opening at our own airfield, now might be the time to fulfil one of those dreams you might have of learning to fly - you will be flying with the spirit of ‘Ginger’ Lacey in the wind beneath those wings!
For more information, check out the Aero Club website.
