Tue May 14, 2019 9:02 am
#1693324
Another tragic loss, despite a well-managed campaign.
I had a heated argument in the pub with a bloke about the imminent closure of Dunsfold Airfield, he said , "we all need houses, who needs airfields?”
I knew this chap was a golfer, so I asked, "who needs golf courses?" He said golf is huge sport worldwide and millions of people derive great recreational benefit from the game. I asked how many golf courses he knew of being closed down to make room for more housing? As far as I know this has never happened….
I am not a golfer, but my wife is, as are several of my friends. They get a great deal from their sport, and apart from having to listen to their endless tedious golf stories in the pub I wish them every happiness in their pursuit!
The truth is all clubs bring people together in a common interest, foster a sense of community amongst members, and are generally good for individuals mental and often physical health. In the wider world clubs and associations often generate wealth in terms of local businesses, incoming visitors from further afield, and employment opportunities. Local trades are often required to help with maintenance, generating more local income. Amateurs at club level often feed into the professional world, and this is true in our hobby, most airline pilots started off in a beaten up-cherokee at a small flying club somewhere. Many clubs are involved in charity work, and the wider community benefits from this too.
All of this is true of flying clubs, so why is it that councils are seen to support their local golf, football, Bridge club, whatever club, but not us recreational fliers? I believe it is because we are perceived as wealthy playboys/playgirls, in much the same way people see boat owners (yes I am a yachty too!). So how to counter this perception? The best way is to try and involve the local community and invite them to come and see that we are normal people with jobs and mortgages and children and all the trials of life that they too endure. Get them involved, give free flights, have open days. At Henstridge Geoff (and the rest of us) do a Sterling job in this regard and long may that continue..
The truth is however that councils are under enormous pressure to meet housing targets laid down by the government, and airfields are relatively easy targets. Usually large, level areas already served by roads, they are perfect for the big developers to steam in and build, and whilst the council ticks another box, the developers reel in millions.
I had a heated argument in the pub with a bloke about the imminent closure of Dunsfold Airfield, he said , "we all need houses, who needs airfields?”
I knew this chap was a golfer, so I asked, "who needs golf courses?" He said golf is huge sport worldwide and millions of people derive great recreational benefit from the game. I asked how many golf courses he knew of being closed down to make room for more housing? As far as I know this has never happened….
I am not a golfer, but my wife is, as are several of my friends. They get a great deal from their sport, and apart from having to listen to their endless tedious golf stories in the pub I wish them every happiness in their pursuit!
The truth is all clubs bring people together in a common interest, foster a sense of community amongst members, and are generally good for individuals mental and often physical health. In the wider world clubs and associations often generate wealth in terms of local businesses, incoming visitors from further afield, and employment opportunities. Local trades are often required to help with maintenance, generating more local income. Amateurs at club level often feed into the professional world, and this is true in our hobby, most airline pilots started off in a beaten up-cherokee at a small flying club somewhere. Many clubs are involved in charity work, and the wider community benefits from this too.
All of this is true of flying clubs, so why is it that councils are seen to support their local golf, football, Bridge club, whatever club, but not us recreational fliers? I believe it is because we are perceived as wealthy playboys/playgirls, in much the same way people see boat owners (yes I am a yachty too!). So how to counter this perception? The best way is to try and involve the local community and invite them to come and see that we are normal people with jobs and mortgages and children and all the trials of life that they too endure. Get them involved, give free flights, have open days. At Henstridge Geoff (and the rest of us) do a Sterling job in this regard and long may that continue..
The truth is however that councils are under enormous pressure to meet housing targets laid down by the government, and airfields are relatively easy targets. Usually large, level areas already served by roads, they are perfect for the big developers to steam in and build, and whilst the council ticks another box, the developers reel in millions.
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