In this gripping episode, Chris Beswick and Frank Pleszak welcome Paul Ormerod, who shares the remarkable story of his father, John Ormerod, a Lancaster flight engineer during World War II.

Paul recounts his father's experiences with 101 Squadron, including the challenges of bombing missions over Berlin and the innovative electronic countermeasures they employed.

Discover the unique role of the eighth crew member, the dangers of their missions, and the camaraderie that developed among the airmen.

Join us for this insightful conversation that uncovers the lesser-known history of the Lancaster bombers and the bravery of those who flew them.

In this episode, we continue our engaging conversation with Amanda Paterson, Trustee of the Avro Heritage Museum. Amanda shares her insights into the challenges faced while bringing the Nimrod MRA4 project to Woodford, including a poignant recollection of the contract's cancellation in 2010.

We also delve into her father's remarkable history as a Lancaster bomber pilot and his contributions as an Avro production flight test pilot.

Join us as we navigate through aviation history, personal stories, and the rich legacy of the Avro brand.

In this enlightening episode, Chris Beswick speaks with Amanda Paterson, a trustee of the Avro Heritage Museum and a veteran of the aerospace industry.

Amanda shares her remarkable journey from studying mathematics to becoming a director at BAE Systems, shedding light on the challenges and triumphs of being a woman in a traditionally male-dominated field.

Discover how her passion for aviation, combined with her academic background, shaped her successful career, and listen as she reflects on the evolution of workplace dynamics for women in aerospace.

Don't miss this inspiring conversation!

In this episode, we continue our engaging conversation with Craig Hadfield, a dedicated member and volunteer at the Avro Heritage Museum.

Craig shares his experiences with Martin Willoughby, whose father was instrumental in the restoration of the iconic Lancaster S for Sugar.

We explore the importance of events at the museum, the challenges they face, and the joy of showcasing aviation history through tours and air shows.

Join us as we reminisce about memorable moments, including eerie nights at Woodford and the excitement of air displays featuring Russian participants.

Don’t miss this insightful look into the passion that drives the Avro Heritage Museum's community.

In this episode of the Avro Heritage Museum podcast, Chris Beswick speaks with long-standing member and volunteer Craig Hadfield.

Craig shares fascinating stories from his youth, delivering milk around the Woodford airfield and his subsequent career in the fire service. He recounts his experiences with aircraft, including a tragic glider crash and the iconic Spitfire crash at the 1992 Woodford Air Show.

Craig also discusses his work on a replica of the famous bouncing bomb used in the Dam Busters Raid, revealing the intricate details of the project and the history behind it.

Join us as we explore the rich heritage of aviation through the eyes of someone who has lived it.

In this episode, we take a heartfelt journey through history as we speak with Nancy Bailey, a remarkable 101-year-old veteran of the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force during the Second World War.

From her beginnings in Thameside to her vital role managing equipment accounts across various RAF bases, Nancy shares her extraordinary experiences and memories from wartime Britain.

Her stories reveal life beyond the battlefield, filled with camaraderie, resilience, and the everyday challenges faced by women in the armed forces.

Join us as we remember the past and honour the contributions of those who served.

In this episode, Chris Beswick takes us back to the dawn of British aviation, exploring the remarkable story of Elliot Verdon Roe, the first man to design, build, and fly an all-British aeroplane, the Row 1 triplane.

Join us as we delve into the aircraft's design, construction, and the innovative techniques that made this historic flight possible.

With insights from Roger Newton, a member of the team who maintains the replica at the museum, we discover the challenges faced in recreating this pioneering aircraft, from its unique control mechanisms to the materials used.

Don't miss this fascinating journey into the early days of flight!

In this compelling final episode with Les Willans, we delve into the motivations behind his remarkable career in the aviation industry.

Surprisingly, his passion for aircraft took a backseat to his love for problem-solving and mentoring others. Les shares his journey from retirement to volunteering at the Avro Heritage Museum, where he leads cockpit tours and engages with visitors through his wealth of knowledge.

Join us as we explore the unique challenges and experiences that shaped his career, and discover how effective communication and leadership can inspire a new generation of engineers.

In this episode, we continue our insightful conversation with Les Willans as he shares his journey from 2004 to 2006, working on the F35 Joint Strike Fighter project at British Aerospace Systems.

Les ​explains ​how ​the ​thinking ​of ​the ​design ​team ​at ​Woodford led to significant cost savings and the invaluable lessons learned throughout his career.

He reflects on the emotional impact of Woodford's closure and the importance of resilience in uncertain times.

Join us as we uncover the fascinating world of aerospace engineering and the legacies left behind.

In this episode, we uncover the pivotal role played by the Groves family and their brewery in the early success of Avro.

Chris Beswick speaks with historian Frank Pleszak to explore a significant artefact, a beer flask from Groves and Whitnall, and its connection to the aviation industry.

We delve into the history of Avro, the challenges of early aviation, and the impact of local philanthropy on the company’s growth.

Tune in to discover how a brewing magnate’s investment helped shape the future of aviation!