Ludham

[johnnyreb]

I happened to be passing the old airfield at Ludham a couple of days ago and thought I would drop in and take some photos of the old watch towers that are still extant, I was supposed to be working so dont tell the boss!!!







There are some interesting comparison photos here: http://www.ludhamairfield.org/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false

[stevie]

Great photos Johnny. Thanks for posting.

I remember visiting this place back in 2003 during a holiday on the coast nearby and both control towers had been preserved and were at the time part of a small museum on the site!..
It's such a shame to see the buildings derilict yet again. I take it that the museum project has folded then!!!

I hope the runways still in use at least!

Cheers,
Steve

[johnnyreb]

Yes Steve you are correct about the museum, hence the rather "interesting" colour scheme. I first visited this site about 4 years ago and the museum was gone by then. The runway is still in use by a private flying club using an old blister hanger. There was no one around when I was there so I didn't take a photo then as I always like to gain permission first but I' m in the area quite frequently so I will try again. There are also some derelict buildings over the west side I believe.
Just as an aside I met an old boy on my visit who told me that the site is up or sale for about £120,000 and that the buildings are listed but I don't know how true that is.
Any takers???

[REF]

Taken 21st April 2009

[airfields man]

I took these photographs on 1-8-89. At that time, or there abouts a museum was being formed. I joined and received a few newsletters. Shame to see it now.

[REF]

John, ref the post above I have the following from notes from my visit a couple years ago.

First photo - Small Arms & Ammunition Store (Building 151) (Drg No 12725/41)

Second photo - LEFT: A.M.W.D Works Services Building (Building 147), RIGHT: A.M.W.D Mechanical Plant Store (Building 14 (Drg No WA7/287/41)

Third photo - LEFT: A.M.W.D Mechanical Plant Store (Building 14 (Drg No WA7/287/41), RIGHT: A.M.W.D Canteen & Rest Room (Building 150)

Fourth photo - A.M.W.D Canteen & Rest Room (Building 150)

Fifth photo - LEFT: Contractors Hut (Building 143), RIGHT: Contractors Hut (Building 144)

Hope this helps

[REF]

Couple of photos showing the two towers in November 2007

[SimonGee]

According to an article in the local press in August, 2005, the Watch Office had just been bought by one John Bergin, pilot, of Harrogate, Yorks. for £135,000, including one acre of land. Mr Bergin predicted that '..works planned, including the building of a glass atrium ( ? ! ) will take at least three months, with the control tower open to paying guests from early next year...' Apparently, it can only be used as a holiday home as it is '...outside the zone permitted for new houses...' Wot - ? I was up at Ludham last year, the Watch Office was still much as REf's photos show. So what has happened to Mr. Bergin's £135,000 investment I wonder - ? This calls for a bit of delving - !

[jason]

Taken July 2011, a slightly different aspect of the airfield. Made in 2000 this patchwork hangs in the church.



A Google link http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?hl=en&...h&z=15&vpsrc=6

[REF]

I'm sorry to report that the 25 yard range wall has been recently demolished. Thanks to James Albone for the update

Here is a photo I took of it in April 2009: