I remember the old Elmdon building in the 60s. On a Sunday , as a family , we would often pay a visit and enjoy the large grassy area and watch the planes taking off, sadly no longer there. The Royal Warwickshire flying club used to be based there as well if I remember correctly. A far cry from what we see now, happy memories ✈️🛩🛬🚁
Its pleasing to know the video is still being found and enjoyed, and as your a Villa fan you may want to check out or latest video on this channel, there is a Aston Villa link within it if you keep watching.
Brings back memories. We used to fly from there every summer to Mallorca, Dad used to drop us all off in front of the terminal with all the luggage and then go and park the car. I remember the BEA Viscounts. We flew on Aviaco DC9s, Iberia Caravelles, and once I think even by Dan Air Comet. I think there were just two gates, A and B.
I'm Birmingham born, 1941, and had heard of Elmdon, mentioned by the grown-ups on occcasion; but although we moved about quite a lot , it was mostly in north Birmingham, but we eventually moved away, to the south -West. I love all the Art Deco buildings, lost ,and surviving. Among the best, were the seaside Outdoor Pavillions, dotted around the country. I can't understand how Elmdons Striking and unique design features, aren't nationally, or internationally, better known ? Thanks for the tour down the years, and for the Lancaster history, that I never expected to add to my knowledge. Thanks again.
The Elmdon airport terminal is l believe THE hidden gem in regards to important/surviving Art Deco buildings, and in terms of its usage today a complete missed opportunity, with several ideas such as a local aviation heritage centre/museum, events facility and restaurant having being suggested by the buildings many admirers and supporters all so far coming to nothing, probably down to money and the buildings location regarding safe public access and airport security....it still surprises me its been left standing for as long as it has as l did hear talk once of demolition...that l guess before it gained listed building status ...thank goodness! The Elmdon/ Lancaster bomber connection is also little known, another reason for me wanting to make the video, so pleased you found that side of the story eye opening and interesting. As a local yourself then, please check out our latest video about the 'Brummie' Mystery Hawker Typhoon, like to hear your thoughts on that too? Thanks for taking the time to comment. Gary
Thank you Gary for a quirky and interesting video, you have certainly put in a fair bit of time and effort, well done! I worked at Elmdon in the summer of 1968, straight out of school. I joined a team of temporary workers, mainly Uni students, that were taken on for the busy summer period. We were given the title of General Airport Hand, and our duties were varied! The first day I was given a pair of overalls that were far too big for me, and was instructed to go and polish the brass floor hinge plates at the main door (the one you couldn't enter in the video) while passenger streamed through to catch flights. I remember one of the passengers was my old english teacher and he remarked "I always knew you would go a long way!" Other tasks were polishing the terminal floors and inspecting the runways, when on night shifts, to portering and loading baggage into aircraft. Being small and lean in stature, but able to carry more baggage than my body weight, often earned me very good tips! Notable passengers that I portered for were Cilla Black, Enoch Powell and the Maharishi. At one stage I was even given the job of redecorating the Airport Director's office, as I recall just below the control tower. I think I am correct in saying it was the first year that BEA introduced JET services between Birmingham and Paris. Very exciting, as I think up until then we only had a range of PROP driven aircraft. I was offered a full time job, but elected to pay ten pounds and migrate to Australia! Thanks for the memories and I do remember the post box.
Hi Ian Thank you and what a fascinating comment you have left, so much 'behind the scenes' info about the place and yourself working there that l'm sure others will find interesting too, not sure what Enoch Powell would have to say about things in general today, did Cilla Black sing to you? Pleased you enjoyed watching the video, its good to know its still being found and watched. l just felt something needed to be done for TH-cam as there was very little on there about the old Elmdon terminal building and the surrounding area, l do try and give my videos a 'quirky' look and feel to them, not everyone picks up on that. It was an extremely difficult video to get filmed, you may want to watch our follow up video "Return To Elmdon Airport TAKE 2" that highlights some of those difficulties and features outtakes from the many hours of filming there. th-cam.com/video/gTcREp4lVsk/w-d-xo.htmlsi=fANKQGUlKt6ezgfX I'm partially dyslexic so any long bits of dialog to camera has to be learnt parrot fashion, like leaning the words to a song when l have sung with the band...l'm never really happy with my reading of voiceovers for videos as they always sound a bit 'staged', why a lot of the time the videos are manly a visual affair , like our Poppy 100 tribute and our latest video that you may enjoy watching...its one of my favourites - th-cam.com/video/co6wYFQzec4/w-d-xo.htmlsi=Wrvu5U6X38OJNeML Not sure WHERE you are based now, but please feel free to share any of our videos and leave further comments if you so wish, it all helps. Many thanks again, made my day you have. Gary
@@timeslip9 Hi Gary, I live in Hobart, Tasmania. In 1971 I spent a year on the Tasmanian 'outpost' of Macquarie Island and in 1979 I was given the opportunity to join an RAAF airdrop flight to the island. I wish I had had a video camera, but alas no, only my trusty Super 8. The one and only video I have put TH-cam was of this flight. I should have done a TAKE 2, but that was not possible!!! You will see what I mean th-cam.com/video/4FHGWu0821w/w-d-xo.html
@ianmarchant2250 What fantastic Super 8 footage that is, all at low level from the back of a Lockheed Hercules (great camerawork too as it must have been as windy as hell?) What was being dropped - l couldn't see anyone on the ground? You were all on safety harnesses l take it? Superb visibility from the Hercules' greenhouse like cockpit, what a great old workhorse the C130 was/still is, we get the occasional American C130 overhead at times here (Solihull) I think the RAF only recently retired the last of their Hercules. Hobart Tasmania you're based, do you every get to see any Tasmanian Devils?
@@timeslip9 that's very kind of you Gary. As I recall it wasn't too windy, but very noisy. Yes we did have a harness on when in the back of the plane. We were using "Dizzy Lizzies" to drop mail and a few urgent items, to about 15 people on the ground. As the items can drop quite hard, people keep out of the drop zone on the isthmus. I spent a memorable year on the island in 1971, but did have the luxury of mail drops then. They became more a training exercise for the RAAF, but were dropped after a year or two when it was thought they were have serious impacts on the local wildlife. Yes we do get to see Tassie Devils occasionally, although as you may have heard their numbers have been impacted by a dreadful facial tumour disease?
I can remember going on my first Holiday abroad from Birmingham Airport to Ibiza flying with Spantax Airways, the Building looked small from the outside but was like Dr Who's Tardis seemed bigger inside and with the extra departure lounge built on the left hand side of the original building as you look at t from the front , on the return flight the aircraft landed on the Runway that crossed from the Railway line towards the A45 Coventry Road, on landing just missing the overhead wires on the electrified railway line we landed and just stopped before the Coventry Road, very worrying at the time, but did a number of flight abroad from the original Airport but when the new airport opened it was such a difference. My self and a mate used to go to the airport bar for a Sunday night drink and remember the original BOAC New York Flight and Air India flights coming in, but as years went on it was found that a larger Airport was required especially when ownership of the Airport passed from Birmingham City Council to the newly formed West Midland Metropolitan County Council in the 1970's and the other thing that has changed was the Birmingham Coat of Arms on the front of the Building, that is the original Coat of Arms with a crown in the center, when Birmingham took over Sutton Coldfield around 1974, instead of a crown a Bishops Mitre appeared.
Peter Thank you for your wonderfully detailed worded description of Elmdon Airport. It's nice to know that 3 years after it was filmed/edited and posted this video is still encouraging people to take a nostalgic trip down 'Memory Lane'. I like the 'Dr Who' analogy, it would be the great Jon Pertwee playing the time travelling Time Lord around the time you describe l think (l did a bit of Timetraving myself in the video if you noticed?) it was great fun to do. You have an eye for detail regarding such things as the Birmingham Coat of Arms. I wonder if you would be kind enough to cast your eyes over our latest video offering, l will attach the link. I look forward to hearing from you again and your detailed comment on it too. th-cam.com/video/6T-ItjMoUiw/w-d-xo.html Thanks again. Gary
I remember going into the main building as child and seeing Viscount planes under the "wings" also remember going up the spiral staircases. They then built a new travel centre to the left
Thank you very much for producing and loading this video. I found it very enjoyable and it enabled me to reminisce a little. If viewers go to 5.04 in the video it is possible to see what was a farmstead in the bottom right of the screen which, as can be seen, is by the side of a road. That farm was Hurdle Hall Farm and was purchased by my Grandfather in 1933. I have a plan of the farm and it extended on the western side to what is now the threshold and approach to runway 33 at BHX and the actual farmstead was where the long stay car park is now situated. Sometime in the very early 1950s my Father took me on a Saturday afternoon joy ride in a de Havilland Dragon Rapide which used to take half a dozen people up for a look around. I remember flying over the cooling towers of Hams Hall and asked my Father why there were such huge buckets sitting on the ground. We had flown directly over the towers and to a 5 year old who had never seen anything like that before I just thought that they were very big buckets ! Oh, and by the way, my first car was a maroon Wolseley 1500 but the chrome strip that ran along to the front headlights wasn't pointed like yours, mind were rounded just before it reached the lights and had the letter W as part of it !
Without doubt one of if not the most pleasing comment (as producer) that to date the video has received, as it covers virtually every aspect l set out to achieve for it, so thank you for taking the time so l and others can read your fascinating insights and recollections. 'Hurdle', great name for a farm, and you say your family connections with it goes back to 1933, a coincidence then that's now where runway '33' is located ? . Like yourself I can vividly recall the trips taken there as a boy, never got to fly in a Dragon Rapide (one of my fathers all time favourite aircraft) though till many years later at Duxford. Regards the video itself , l wanted to shine what l thought was a long overdue spotlight on the Elmdon terminal building itself, the surrounding points of local history and links to WW2 (having a soft spot for the Avro Lancaster). I also wanted the video to be informative but with a light entertainment touch to it to make for easy on the eye viewing. Really made my day that you can relate to the Wolseley 1500, same colour too, though the car you describe with the earlier wing chrome side trims sounds like a Mk1 , production ran l think between 1957- 1965, the car featured in the video is a 1963 MK3, the other car is a 1960 Singer Gazelle 3a. Again thank you for leaving your comment, l will attach the follow up video to this one and two more of local interest you may enjoy watching, please feel free to share and comment if you so wish...be great to get your thoughts on them too. Regards Gary Passport To The Past (Take 2) th-cam.com/video/gTcREp4lVsk/w-d-xo.html Stunning Spitfire Sculpture Salute th-cam.com/video/Js9p1dSQ4bk/w-d-xo.html Poppy 100 , RBL Centenary th-cam.com/video/rNQVBCxnZaw/w-d-xo.html
@@timeslip9 Thank you very much for those kinds words but my remarks were only those that were truly deserved. Because you were so appreciative of my input I thought that I might show you something that I did a few years ago. This first link should take you to an old B/W aerial photo. of the farm known as Hurdle Hall (called Huddle Hall on some maps) . I can't remember the date of the photo. but it shows the extent of the farm and I have also overlaid the it with a map of the roads as they are at the present time. It is possible to see the threshold of runway 33 as it used to be on the left hand side of the image about 2/3rds of the way down. This was obviously before the runway was extended and the modified A45 with the curve can be clearly seen. I should probably add that while my Grandfather purchased the farm in 1933 he didn't stay for very long and sold it and had bought another farm further South in Watwickshire by 1939. I suspect that he decided that he didn't want to live and farm next to what was going to be, admittedly at that time, a small airport by today's standards even though, as again can be seen, the building of BHX wasn't going to encroach on his farm at that time. i.ibb.co/1GVbjD1/Hurdle-Hall-composition-4a.jpg This next image shows the reverse of the above insofar as I have taken a recent aerial view of the same location and superimposed the outlines of the farm upon it. i.ibb.co/BtFPMgg/Hurdle-Hall-composition-6.jpg My Grandfather and Grandmother both lie nearby in Bickenhill churchyard and I just hope that they can't see what has happened to this once peaceful part of England. With regard to the Wolseley 1500 I think mine was a 1960 and if I remember correctly the Riley 1.5 (as it was known) was an identical car except for the fact that the Riley had twin carbs. They always reckoned that the Riley would do 105 mph but I once got my car up to 95 mph on a flat piece of straight road and she wouldn't do a foot more than 95 ! And although you had to turn the ignition key first you actually started it by pushing a button. How modern was that !!!!
Thank you for taking the time to supply all the extra information and attachments, truly fascinating . When l was filming the video l often wished l could travel back in time and see how it was at the various times in the airports history (may have even bumped into your grandparents) , its why we gave some of the video the 'Black & White in the past ' effect with me walking around in a trilby...l was given a few strange looks l can tell you...but think it worked fairly well visually , although it was challenging trying not to show any modern day traffic ( again you may find the follow up 'Behind The Scenes & Outtakes' video interesting) .Yes the Wolseley does have a push button start...one of the last BMC cars to have a starting handle too. Thanks again Gary
@@timeslip9 Thank you Gary. I also found the "Behind The Scenes & Outtakes" video interesting as well. I was interested to see parts of Castle Bromwich because that is where I was born. On a farm that was being farmed by my parents. Regrettably it all disappeared under concrete and tarmac and high rise flats during the 1950s & 1960s. And now for something which is not connected with your videos but I also remember when what is now the Stonebridge traffic island was just a simple cross-roads. The Malt Shovel pub, now a Toby carvery I believe, was on the NW side and the Stonebridge Hotel was on the SE side.
Thank you. As you know Castle Bromwich then l thought you may like to watch our 'reworked' Spitfire Island Battle of Britain Day tribute , it includes some extra footage that wasn't included in the Elmdon Airport/ Passport To The Past Outtakes video, l hope you enjoy watching it. Gary th-cam.com/video/Js9p1dSQ4bk/w-d-xo.html
What a lovely tribute to this very special building. My Dad was a greasemonkey on the Lancasters just after the war. Lived in Sheldon from the 60's until he passed away and I honestly don't think he realised the Lancaster link with Elmdon Airport. A great watch. Thanks Gary
Hi Phil Thanks for leaving your comment, interesting to hear about your father working on Lancaster's around the same time of the Pathe film being shot at Elmdon...just after the war in Europe had ended (mid 1945) ....also interesting you saying that you don't think he was aware of the Elmdom Airport/ Lancaster bomber connection...this was one of the reasons l produced the video in the first place, as l have found that many STILL aren't aware of that link...my hope is that this video continues to spread the word. Thanks again Gary
Thank you! Watching your video brought back some very happy memories of cycling to Elmdon as a schoolboy in the early 50’s and spending many a Saturday afternoon plane spotting from the terminal building! I remember seeing the Viscount’s and Dakota’s leaving and arriving, but if I remember correctly there was a regular flight from there by a De Havilland Rapide passenger biplane which always fascinated me! Happy days!
Hello Anthony It's always good to see the Elmdon Airport video still pulling in viewers who then go on to make a comment, such as yourself. Looking back all the hassle of trying to get it filmed at the time seems worth it now when getting a response to it such as yours ...do check out our second Elmdon video, the making of the first...l did doubt my sanity at times. You mentioned two of my late father's favourite commercial aircraft, the DC3 Dakota and the delightful De Havilland Rapide, you possibly had the best of decades visiting Elmdon in the early 1950's, why l wanted to recreate that time with the classic cars and a trilby hat. I have attached a link to our latest video, see if that takes provides you with another trip down Memory Lane too? th-cam.com/video/6T-ItjMoUiw/w-d-xo.html Do please share the video if you so wish and leave another comment too as they are always very much appreciated. Gary
What a wonderful video . I remember very vividly climbing those spiral stairs in the 1960’s to photograph and marvel at the aeroplanes . My first commercial flight was from there to Guernsey on a BEA Viscount in 1974 , the start of my flying experiences , having flown all over the World now , and now living for the past 34 hrs in Australia . There’s a very special place in my heart for Elmdon , so many memories, all great and never to be repeated . I will be back in the UK in May and can’t wait to revisit the old airport again . Thanks for sharing this special piece of history with us .
Hi David Thank you for taking the time to comment, its always good to know the video that took 7 months to complete is still being watched and enjoyed two years on now from being posted....can l ask how you 'found it' ?. I like yourself have a soft spot for Elmdon Airport, and for a while had the idea of making a film about it after seeing there was very little that l could find about it on TH-cam. Lovely old thing the Viscount, as was the DC3....the Lancaster is one of my all time favourites...so wanted to spotlight the little known fact about the assembly of 'Lancs' at Elmdon...do check out the Pathe film linked to the video...its absolutely fascinating. I will attach a few of my other videos that you may enjoy watching (including the making of Passport To The Past) ....and if you have a chance to spread the word on them if you do Facebook and the like...that would be very much appreciated...especially as you say you are based 'Down Under'. Thanks again Gary Passport To The Past Take 2 th-cam.com/video/gTcREp4lVsk/w-d-xo.html Stunning Spitfire Sculpture Salute th-cam.com/video/Js9p1dSQ4bk/w-d-xo.html “Reach For The Sky” Movie Theme th-cam.com/video/nuVNvyg3Ly4/w-d-xo.html Magnificent Mosquito Theme th-cam.com/video/jPIrWmXLlHo/w-d-xo.html Arnhem 75th / A Bridge Too Far th-cam.com/video/I12FHcpQF2o/w-d-xo.html Come Dance With Me th-cam.com/video/IeI2lWOKsSI/w-d-xo.html Poppy 100/ RBL Centenary th-cam.com/video/rNQVBCxnZaw/w-d-xo.html
Two quick memories. Approx 1968, sat in the rear seat of my father’s VW 1303 beetle as we moved along the A45. I recall the green airport beacon flashing BIR in Morse code _ … .. ._. It always was a compelling part of my journey to watch and decode the flashes. Fast forward to 1999, ( I’d been flying for Monarch , Flying Colours and JMC. ) With 2600 hours of right seat time, Training Standards Captain Roger Chandler gave me my command on the wonderful JMC Boeing 757. Happy days. Superb Elmdon memories.
Nice to know this video is still being found. In 1968 l was a 9 years old aircraft enthusiast sat in the rear of my late fathers Hillman Minx going along the A45 and l too can recall the flashing green airport beacon, although l must confess l had no idea it was putting out the morse code for Birmingham Airport, you live and learn. Nice to get a comment from an actual pilot who has flown out of and into Elmdon/Birmingham airport, made my day you have. Great aircraft the Boeing 757, distinctive vivid green tail you had with JMC if l recall? Please share the video if you so wish and check out some of our others, most but not all have an aviation related theme ...you may enjoy 'Return To Elmdon Airport' too. Thanks Gary
Great video and really enjoyed watching!. I’m too young to have ever flown out from the original terminal but I did work next door in the Argosy Building for ‘Elmdon Cargo Handling’ for many years. I remember as the office junior in 1996, posting the mail from the office in that post box daily on my way home. Not sure when it would have last been used though. I left that job in 2007 and the ‘cargo centre’ has changed quite a bit since then. Glad the building was saved from demolition.
Pleased you enjoyed the video (also check out 'Return To Elmdon Airport ', you may enjoy that too). Great, finally some feedback regarding the Elmdon Terminal 'Post Box' and someone who used it regularly too, 1996 then...interesting. The old terminal building is stunning to look at, l just hope it stays protected and eventually is put to good use, a local heritage and events centre maybe, with restaurant/cafe and aircraft viewing point...lets hope so anyway.
Brings back a lot of memories of being a plane spotter in the 1970's and early 1980's at Elmdon. Good old BHX. One of those restaurants I think became the spotters lounge at some point during the 1970's and I also remember going up into that multi-story car park to take photos of planes parked by the hangers. We use to hang around the checkin desks and "collect" the baggage tags for different airlines!!! I also remember that there used to be an outside spotters enclosure to the left hand side of the apron (again I think this opened part way through the 1970's).
Hi Lee Thank you for leaving your comment, feedback from the very people the video in part was aimed at (talking about their own memories of Elmdon/ Birmingham airport) makes the many hours spent filming and on the post production of the video worthwhile ....pleased you enjoyed it. I think its turned out to be our second most viewed video. If you haven't watched it already ?...l will point you in the direction of the follow up video 'Passport To The Past Take 2', its a light-hearted behind the scenes look how this video was made...with a few extra bits throw in too...if you watch it...again please leave a comment as l would be interested in your thoughts. Please do share the video if you so wish. Thanks again Gary
Thank you for bringing back memories of my childhood. I was born in 1973 and took my first ever flight from Elmdon on 5th June 1982, Orion Airways G-BGTW to Reus. A year later I made the same flight, and little did I know it would be the last time I'd ever fly from this wonderful place. It was here, as an 8 year old girl, I made my mind up I wanted to work on aviation one day, (sadly though, that never happened). I have so many happy memories of visiting the airport with my family where my love of civil aviation was born. Just the atmosphere of the place, the excitement of being in that bustling terminal along with the sights, smells and sounds from the viewing platform where I spent many a happy hour just watching with my grandpa's binoculars and air band radio, making notes of the registration numbers of the aircraft I saw and then logging them in my civil aviation markings books. Those were the days and it just isn't the same anymore. Once again, thank you for taking me back to the early 80's and my dreams.
Thank you for taking the time to comment on the video, l always appreciate feedback...good or bad. Really pleased you enjoyed watching it...it was made with a lot of love and respect for the place... and hope that comes across in my presentation . I try to be both informative and entertaining at the same time...without taking myself too seriously. If the video as in your case helps to recall happy memories from the past ...it makes the whole project worthwhile. Please do watch some of our other videos that maybe of interest to you. Thanks again Gary
I share the exact same sentiments as yourself. My grandparents lived in Marston Green above what used to be the Co-op, now Drinks World. I spent many happy days over at the golf course, the country park and the viewing area in the main terminal. I was born in '79 so ive vivid memorys of the late 80's/early 90's over there. I also did my Work Experience with Maersk Air who used to operate Bac 1-11's on behalf of British Airways, that was '95. I still regularly visit the airport with my own children who have taken to it like i have. Its great to read stories about the memorys of other people at the same time as myself. Take care and stay safe.
Thank you for this brilliant video that I have stumbled across by accident. We flew from Elmdon Airport on many occasions to the sunshine of Spain, Italy and Greece for our holidays. As a privileged 12yr old in 1977, the first time I ever boarded a plane was from here for a holiday in Majorca. I was overcome with the excitement as we left home, but to then arrive at that beautiful white airport and to see the planes, the beaches of Majorca fell into insignificance. And then to fly for the first time on an airliner without any 'adult' fears of crashing or anything going wrong, just topped the lot off for me. I couldn't wait to fly home again for the repeated experience. I am so pleased to learn that Elmdon is a listed building and so it should be. I haven't flown abroad for the last six years and I have no desire to do so anytime soon. Sadly, today's needed security of removing belts, shoes and pocket belongings into a tray, spoils any ambiance of going on holiday. It's like going to the swimming baths, almost strip off to get re-dressed two minutes later !! That, along with the present Covid situation means that I'll be staying in the U.K for the forseeable future. Incidentally, I never did have a problem with the full body Xray camera's. I'd rather a few security staff see my bits than see a bomb !! Thanks for bringing back the nostalgia of 1970's air travel. Cheers, Dave xx
Hi Dave Thank you for your fascinating comment, it’s nice to know people are still finding the video .This time last year we were coming to the end of the main filming for it ...due to the first Covid lockdown...pleased you enjoyed watching it and that it brought back a lot of happy memories. Can I point you in the direction of the follow up video to it 'Passport To The Past (Take 2)...may provide you with a few laughs.... with outtakes and some behind the scenes footage from the Elmdom Airport video....please do leave a comment on it...and feel free to share the videos too. Thanks again .Gary PS l have attached the link to the follow up video. th-cam.com/video/gTcREp4lVsk/w-d-xo.html
Elliot, thank you for your comment, its good to know that the video is still being found and enjoyed . Please do check out some of our other videos , many have links to aviation that you may find interesting. Gary
Hi James Good to meet you at the airport today , very interesting leaning new things from you (especially about my car registration number aviation link) . Thank you for watching the video 'Passport To The Past', and leaving your comment. I see you and Stuart Sadler have subscribed. Do try to watch the follow up ,'Return To Elmdon Airport/ Outtakes Special, it may give you a few laughs, the Royal British Legion Poppy 100 video is worth a watch too. If you can share any of the videos that would be great, all helps to spread the word.Thanks again. Gary
Thanks Bill Pleased we found a way of including the Tongue & Groove Big Band ...you guys are without doubt the finest l know...performing 'Come Fly With Me' one more time from that viewing platform...now that would be something very special indeed ! Gary
Thanks for bringing back memories- I grew up watching the aircraft going in and out of Elmdon, having moved away many years ago its nice to see the building still looking magnificent.
Welcome aboard Bob , Pleased the video brought back some happy memories for you ...and then prompted you to leave a comment...its very much appreciated . Yes...the building 'externally' is as magnificent as ever...its always a thrill for me walking up to it...with this video we really tried to showcase the building...both as a reminder to people like yourself who know it well...and to others who have never heard of Elmdon Airport...let alone seen the terminal...the reaction to the video has been very rewarding...it started out as just telling the story of the Lancaster bomber connection...but we ending doing a 25 minute documentary style film about the place...so glad we did now. Please feel free to share the video...also do check out our other videos. Thanks again Gary
Hope they find a good use for that lovely terminal building - a museum would be nice, but probably unlikely! I was born in Sheldon and later lived in Solihull, very near the airport, so have great memories of it!
Thank you for your comment. Part of the reason for me wanting to make a video about the Elmdon airport terminal building was to highlight the historical significance for its continued survival. l can only hope that some good use is made of this stunning looking building and that it will forever remain part of the local communities heritage. Feel free to share and please do watch some of our other videos (including the follow up to this one) Thanks again.Gary
Gary, thank you for this very interesting video. I was born in Solihull in January 1948 and recall the airport being referred to as Elmdon Aerodrome. Before I was four years old my parents took me to the aerodrome when there must have been some kind of display because my father took me for a flight from the aerodrome, which I have no recollection of. Very recently I was in a Charity Shop looking for some frames when I came across a framed picture (a painting) of the building with two passenger bi planes standing outside and a few passengers milling around. The illustration is entitled The Elmdon Building circa 1939. It now hangs in my sitting room. Once again thank you for a very informative video. Keith Jeffries
Keith... thank you for taking the time to leave your comment...feedback from people with their own memories is always something we are pleased to receive and hear about... glad you found the video interesting too. Lucky find that the painting in the charity shop...is the artist named ?. We are currently working on 'Passport To The Past 2'...a follow up video showing how the first video was made ...including the many outtakes/ bloopers , plus a few extra bits...so look out for that coming soon...best way is to subscribe so you will then receive a automatic notification . Please check out some of out other videos too. Thanks again. Gary
Yes - and my husband and I own a 1949 Series 1 Morgan - it always causes hilarity, the Morgans in a Morgan! I didn't actually notice your tie! Picked up you were singing and then the background music in the restaurant video clip. I read in another reply you mention an out takes production - I'll certainly look forward to watching that one too.
Hi Rob, Your contribution to the video you say was very small...but the photo you kindly allowed us to use of Lancaster NX611 at Lincoln Aviation Heritage Centre with pilot Mike Chatterton in the cockpit about to start up No 4 Merlin engine is a real gem ...so thank you. I know Mike through when he was our special guest at the Sold Out RAF100 and Dambusters 75th Music event at the RAF Museum Cosford in 2018...very professional and a nice guy to work with. Funny...l tried to get the band and l to East Kirkby a few years ago now to do something similar...sadly the offer was never taken up...which was a real shame... regardless of which l wish the ongoing restoration of the Lancaster to flying condition every success. Pleased you enjoyed the video. Thanks again. Gary
timeslip9 Hi Gary - Yes Mike is a nice guy - he always does fast engine runs much longer than the other pilots. I’ve tried to get a few people I know to be part of events at EK, but dare I say it, they seem to be very insular there.... All the best - P.S. - I’ve subscribed to the channel
About 1967 dad and me turned up in a blue Ford Popular leopard skin seat covers ... 979 FOE ... to meet my aunt uncle and son waiting for them to get off a BEA Viscount ( under the right “wing” of the building)waiting at the glass double doors.. guarded by a guard... dressed in a kind of maroon uniform flat peaked cap gold trim and seeing them walk from the plane across the tarmac through the glass “wall” ... she in a mustard Jackie Kennedy two piece suit and matching peaked cap ...just flying in from Paris . Stayed with us for around a week then taking them to Snow Hill Station to catch a Blue Pullman ... via Manchester to Paddington . Remember climbing the stairs at Snow Hill onto the platform. Only seemed to wait for about 15 minutes then the train turning up. Seen them board and waved goodbye as they disappeared through the link tunnel to Moore Street then beyond then onto visit London , onto Heathrow and Venice then back to The States . I know the same feelings as yourself about the old building as often walk down to see “The Old Girl” and have the same memories of the winding stairs to the observation level .Only thing I don’t remember is what time of year that they came... must have been early summer .. One final comment is that I now don’t live that far from Elmdon but grew up in Sparkbrook and the flight path out of Brum was about a mile from the back of the house... BUT .. could hear that trademark sound of the Turbo Props of the Viscount. Oh memories of childhood 😊
Hi Mark Sorry for the delay in replying, but I've been recovering from the worst case of food poisoning in 25 years (courtesy of a well known take away food outlet). Thank you for taking the time and for the attention to detail in your comment left here. It was fascinating to read and just the sort of feedback and memories l hoped the video would generate. When l look back now on the making of the video there were times when l could of easily thrown the towel in (see our outtakes video 'Passport To The Past TAKE 2' to get an understanding on this), but glad now l persevered as in your case the video is still being found and enjoyed . Thank you again for your comment, it was much appreciated. Gary
Hi Julie , I can’t tell you how pleased l am that a fan of the actual TV programme itself 'Goodnight Sweetheart' likes what we have done regarding this video...a film basically about aviation...but we needed a visual way to 'time-travel' from the 1960's to the present day....as a fan of 'Goodnight Sweetheart' myself...l thought the' trilby wearing time traveler' theme/ look would work well on screen ...if we didn't try to just do a blatant copy of the TV programme itself...even though l do share 'Mr Sparrow's' christian name....l have never even worn a trilby hat before. Actress Michelle Holmes (Mrs Sparrow) has liked the video also..which is a really nice touch too. If you check out our other videos you will see I'm a vocalist with the superb Tongue & Groove Big Band...l will have to ask Bandleader Bill Richardson if there is a chance (when things get back to normal) that we could perform the theme tune to 'Goodnight Sweetheart ' ...they are a great swing band. Please do feel free to share the video with your fellow fans...as we appreciate any feedback on TH-cam. Thanks again. Gary
Some videos are a pleasure to watch - this is certainly one of them. You've brought an old building to life again Gary. As impressive as always, already looking forward to your next one! Oli
Hi Oli. Thank you for your kind words. Happy childhood memories stay with you for a lifetime...both Elmdon Airport and its terminal for me are two such memories...so it was a pleasure for me to act out my 'script ' for it if you like to bring the old terminal 'back to life' for that 1960's look . Its great that people want to see more videos from us...but l can't see me doing another on this scale again....very time consuming they are to put together...be very difficult for me to top this video anyway....why l gave it the ending l did...me jetting off 'Up Up & Away' and disappearing into the clouds...fitting conclusion really. Gary
Hi Paul Thank you for leaving your comment. I have always had a soft spot for Elmdon Airport...but found it disappointing there was very little on TH-cam about it as it is now....the old terminal in particular...so decided to make my own video (a labour of love basically)...also highlighting the Lancaster bomber connection. Look out for the follow up video coming soon. Please subscribe...you will then automatically be notified of the follow up video. Thanks again Gary
Great to see another video from you Gary! Firstly and most importantly I hope you're keeping well. I'll admit I've never heard of Elmdon - but this video along with your presentation of the building makes it feel as if I've known it for years! A lot of history in there indeed. Regards, JP
Hi John-Paul, Good to hear from you again...thank you for taking the time to comment ...much appreciated. A very different looking video this one...that at times proved very frustrating to get filmed (the bad weather mainly)...also people going about their daily lives...not really knowing l was trying to get a video made...but that's all part of the challenge of filming on location....we may post a follow up video showing some of the many 'outtakes' we ended up with during the filming of 'Passport To The Past'...some we hope would put a smile on viewers faces. Many ...like yourself may not of heard of Elmdon Airport (are you UK based ?) or know about its historically important terminal building...if this video in some small way helps to redress that...then the whole project for me would have been worthwhile. Thanks again for your interest. Gary
Well, there's thing. 13:45 and the Birmingham Coat of Arms is seen on a building which is now in Solihull! Very interesting video. We have direct line-of-sight from our house to the airport and used to enjoy watching the planes come and go. Until the council in their rush to eco-friendliness came and planted a copse in the way! Vandals.
Hi Les, sorry for the delay in replying, but have been working on our latest video, about the 'Birmingham Mystery Hawker Typhoon' do please check it out and l look forward to hearing your thoughts on it. Regarding the Birmingham Coat of Arms being on a building in Solihull, when the terminal was originally built in the 1930's were the boundaries different back then? ...just a thought. Thank you for taking the time to comment. Gary
I think that that it has always been in Solihull. Birmingham City Council buses only ran as far as Arden Oak Road, where there was a terminal. The only way to get to airport on a bus was on a Midland Red bus.
I worked in the old terminal building left there in 2013. & worked at 3 different location there including the building at hanger 2. & the old excelsior. The duchess of Gloucester came back in about 2010 approx. & in the foyer they had a picture of her with the Lord mayor of bhx. When she opened it. & her lady in waiting sent a letter complaining about the toilets in the building. Sadly this building has been neglected. So many Memories of this airport. I also belive an episode of miss Marple filmed the airport terminal.
Thank you for taking the time to leave your comment, l really like all the personal details you made which l found fascinating (the toilets not being up to the Royal standard required in particular). As l say in my summing up at the end of the video, lets hope the old terminal building is afforded the secure future it deserves as it is an important part of our local heritage. If you enjoyed the video, please do forward it on. You may enjoy watching the follow up video showing how the video was made and some of the outtakes from it ,l will attach the link. Thanks again. Gary th-cam.com/video/gTcREp4lVsk/w-d-xo.html
A really interesting watch and stunning car (Gazelle?) I never knew even half the history of the old terminal. Great references to 5th Dimension too - I bet the only balloons to have been near were the barrage balloons protecting the city during the war?
Hello Bea , Very appropriate name as l refer to BEA / British European Airways several times in this video....your surname too 'Morgan' is a classic car. Yes the classic car l drive at the start of 'Passport To The Past' is a 1960 Singer Gazelle 111a. Out of nearly 10000 views and over 20 comments you are the only one to pick up on the hidden hints of the song 'Up Up & Away' by The 5th Dimension....so well done...you sure you haven't read the films script ? As to your other question regards balloons... not the ones on my tie...the barrage variety ...yes many were placed over locations to dissuade low flying enemy aircraft. Gary
Hi John Thank you for leaving your comment.Yes not being able to include the interior of the terminal (as it is now) and go 'airside' as it is now was like telling just half the story...but l was lucky to get as close as l did...l hope it didn't spoil you enjoying the rest of the video that has been well received and commented on, which has to be good for the building itself. Thanks again Gary
Hi Kim , Thank you for your kind words, once l turned 60 last year l decided to virtually retire myself from singing (although that is me performing 'Downtown' over the end credits...recorded last year ) ln my opinion vocalist shouldn't go for too long...it doesn't sound or look good the older you get... it was just a natural move really for me to go into the documentary style of presenting ...which l have always enjoyed.... pleased you liked watching the video. You may find some of the other attached videos of interest. Thanks again. Gary
I remember the old Elmdon building in the 60s. On a Sunday , as a family , we would often pay a visit and enjoy the large grassy area and watch the planes taking off, sadly no longer there. The Royal Warwickshire flying club used to be based there as well if I remember correctly. A far cry from what we see now, happy memories ✈️🛩🛬🚁
Its pleasing to know the video is still being found and enjoyed, and as your a Villa fan you may want to check out or latest video on this channel, there is a Aston Villa link within it if you keep watching.
Brings back memories. We used to fly from there every summer to Mallorca, Dad used to drop us all off in front of the terminal with all the luggage and then go and park the car. I remember the BEA Viscounts. We flew on Aviaco DC9s, Iberia Caravelles, and once I think even by Dan Air Comet. I think there were just two gates, A and B.
Thank you for taking the time to comment, nice to know the video helps to bring back some happy memories.
I'm Birmingham born, 1941, and had heard of Elmdon, mentioned by the grown-ups on occcasion; but although we moved about quite a lot , it was mostly in north Birmingham, but we eventually moved away, to the south -West. I love all the Art Deco buildings, lost ,and surviving. Among the best, were the seaside Outdoor Pavillions, dotted around the country. I can't understand how Elmdons Striking and unique design features, aren't nationally, or internationally, better known ? Thanks for the tour down the years, and for the Lancaster history, that I never expected to add to my knowledge. Thanks again.
The Elmdon airport terminal is l believe THE hidden gem in regards to important/surviving Art Deco buildings, and in terms of its usage today a complete missed opportunity, with several ideas such as a local aviation heritage centre/museum, events facility and restaurant having being suggested by the buildings many admirers and supporters all so far coming to nothing, probably down to money and the buildings location regarding safe public access and airport security....it still surprises me its been left standing for as long as it has as l did hear talk once of demolition...that l guess before it gained listed building status ...thank goodness!
The Elmdon/ Lancaster bomber connection is also little known, another reason for me wanting to make the video, so pleased you found that side of the story eye opening and interesting.
As a local yourself then, please check out our latest video about the 'Brummie' Mystery Hawker Typhoon, like to hear your thoughts on that too?
Thanks for taking the time to comment. Gary
Thank you Gary for a quirky and interesting video, you have certainly put in a fair bit of time and effort, well done! I worked at Elmdon in the summer of 1968, straight out of school. I joined a team of temporary workers, mainly Uni students, that were taken on for the busy summer period. We were given the title of General Airport Hand, and our duties were varied! The first day I was given a pair of overalls that were far too big for me, and was instructed to go and polish the brass floor hinge plates at the main door (the one you couldn't enter in the video) while passenger streamed through to catch flights. I remember one of the passengers was my old english teacher and he remarked "I always knew you would go a long way!" Other tasks were polishing the terminal floors and inspecting the runways, when on night shifts, to portering and loading baggage into aircraft. Being small and lean in stature, but able to carry more baggage than my body weight, often earned me very good tips! Notable passengers that I portered for were Cilla Black, Enoch Powell and the Maharishi. At one stage I was even given the job of redecorating the Airport Director's office, as I recall just below the control tower. I think I am correct in saying it was the first year that BEA introduced JET services between Birmingham and Paris. Very exciting, as I think up until then we only had a range of PROP driven aircraft. I was offered a full time job, but elected to pay ten pounds and migrate to Australia! Thanks for the memories and I do remember the post box.
Hi Ian
Thank you and what a fascinating comment you have left, so much 'behind the scenes' info about the place and yourself working there that l'm sure others will find interesting too, not sure what Enoch Powell would have to say about things in general today, did Cilla Black sing to you?
Pleased you enjoyed watching the video, its good to know its still being found and watched. l just felt something needed to be done for TH-cam as there was very little on there about the old Elmdon terminal building and the surrounding area, l do try and give my videos a 'quirky' look and feel to them, not everyone picks up on that.
It was an extremely difficult video to get filmed, you may want to watch our follow up video "Return To Elmdon Airport TAKE 2" that highlights some of those difficulties and features outtakes from the many hours of filming there.
th-cam.com/video/gTcREp4lVsk/w-d-xo.htmlsi=fANKQGUlKt6ezgfX
I'm partially dyslexic so any long bits of dialog to camera has to be learnt parrot fashion, like leaning the words to a song when l have sung with the band...l'm never really happy with my reading of voiceovers for videos as they always sound a bit 'staged', why a lot of the time the videos are manly a visual affair , like our Poppy 100 tribute and our latest video that you may enjoy watching...its one of my favourites - th-cam.com/video/co6wYFQzec4/w-d-xo.htmlsi=Wrvu5U6X38OJNeML
Not sure WHERE you are based now, but please feel free to share any of our videos and leave further comments if you so wish, it all helps.
Many thanks again, made my day you have.
Gary
@@timeslip9 Hi Gary, I live in Hobart, Tasmania. In 1971 I spent a year on the Tasmanian 'outpost' of Macquarie Island and in 1979 I was given the opportunity to join an RAAF airdrop flight to the island. I wish I had had a video camera, but alas no, only my trusty Super 8. The one and only video I have put TH-cam was of this flight. I should have done a TAKE 2, but that was not possible!!! You will see what I mean th-cam.com/video/4FHGWu0821w/w-d-xo.html
@ianmarchant2250
What fantastic Super 8 footage that is, all at low level from the back of a Lockheed Hercules (great camerawork too as it must have been as windy as hell?) What was being dropped - l couldn't see anyone on the ground? You were all on safety harnesses l take it?
Superb visibility from the Hercules' greenhouse like cockpit, what a great old workhorse the C130 was/still is, we get the occasional American C130 overhead at times here (Solihull)
I think the RAF only recently retired the last of their Hercules.
Hobart Tasmania you're based, do you every get to see any Tasmanian Devils?
@@timeslip9 that's very kind of you Gary. As I recall it wasn't too windy, but very noisy. Yes we did have a harness on when in the back of the plane. We were using "Dizzy Lizzies" to drop mail and a few urgent items, to about 15 people on the ground. As the items can drop quite hard, people keep out of the drop zone on the isthmus. I spent a memorable year on the island in 1971, but did have the luxury of mail drops then. They became more a training exercise for the RAAF, but were dropped after a year or two when it was thought they were have serious impacts on the local wildlife.
Yes we do get to see Tassie Devils occasionally, although as you may have heard their numbers have been impacted by a dreadful facial tumour disease?
I can remember going on my first Holiday abroad from Birmingham Airport to Ibiza flying with Spantax Airways, the Building looked small from the outside but was like Dr Who's Tardis seemed bigger inside and with the extra departure lounge built on the left hand side of the original building as you look at t from the front , on the return flight the aircraft landed on the Runway that crossed from the Railway line towards the A45 Coventry Road, on landing just missing the overhead wires on the electrified railway line we landed and just stopped before the Coventry Road, very worrying at the time, but did a number of flight abroad from the original Airport but when the new airport opened it was such a difference.
My self and a mate used to go to the airport bar for a Sunday night drink and remember the original BOAC New York Flight and Air India flights coming in, but as years went on it was found that a larger Airport was required especially when ownership of the Airport passed from Birmingham City Council to the newly formed West Midland Metropolitan County Council in the 1970's and the other thing that has changed was the Birmingham Coat of Arms on the front of the Building, that is the original Coat of Arms with a crown in the center, when Birmingham took over Sutton Coldfield around 1974, instead of a crown a Bishops Mitre appeared.
Peter
Thank you for your wonderfully detailed worded description of Elmdon Airport.
It's nice to know that 3 years after it was filmed/edited and posted this video is still encouraging people to take a nostalgic trip down 'Memory Lane'. I like the 'Dr Who' analogy, it would be the great Jon Pertwee playing the time travelling Time Lord around the time you describe l think (l did a bit of Timetraving myself in the video if you noticed?) it was great fun to do.
You have an eye for detail regarding such things as the Birmingham Coat of Arms. I wonder if you would be kind enough to cast your eyes over our latest video offering, l will attach the link. I look forward to hearing from you again and your detailed comment on it too.
th-cam.com/video/6T-ItjMoUiw/w-d-xo.html
Thanks again. Gary
I remember going into the main building as child and seeing Viscount planes under the "wings" also remember going up the spiral staircases. They then built a new travel centre to the left
Thank you very much for producing and loading this video. I found it very enjoyable and it enabled me to reminisce a little. If viewers go to 5.04 in the video it is possible to see what was a farmstead in the bottom right of the screen which, as can be seen, is by the side of a road. That farm was Hurdle Hall Farm and was purchased by my Grandfather in 1933. I have a plan of the farm and it extended on the western side to what is now the threshold and approach to runway 33 at BHX and the actual farmstead was where the long stay car park is now situated. Sometime in the very early 1950s my Father took me on a Saturday afternoon joy ride in a de Havilland Dragon Rapide which used to take half a dozen people up for a look around. I remember flying over the cooling towers of Hams Hall and asked my Father why there were such huge buckets sitting on the ground. We had flown directly over the towers and to a 5 year old who had never seen anything like that before I just thought that they were very big buckets ! Oh, and by the way, my first car was a maroon Wolseley 1500 but the chrome strip that ran along to the front headlights wasn't pointed like yours, mind were rounded just before it reached the lights and had the letter W as part of it !
Without doubt one of if not the most pleasing comment (as producer) that to date the video has received, as it covers virtually every aspect l set out to achieve for it, so thank you for taking the time so l and others can read your fascinating insights and recollections. 'Hurdle', great name for a farm, and you say your family connections with it goes back to 1933, a coincidence then that's now where runway '33' is located ? . Like yourself I can vividly recall the trips taken there as a boy, never got to fly in a Dragon Rapide (one of my fathers all time favourite aircraft) though till many years later at Duxford. Regards the video itself , l wanted to shine what l thought was a long overdue spotlight on the Elmdon terminal building itself, the surrounding points of local history and links to WW2 (having a soft spot for the Avro Lancaster). I also wanted the video to be informative but with a light entertainment touch to it to make for easy on the eye viewing. Really made my day that you can relate to the Wolseley 1500, same colour too, though the car you describe with the earlier wing chrome side trims sounds like a Mk1 , production ran l think between 1957- 1965, the car featured in the video is a 1963 MK3, the other car is a 1960 Singer Gazelle 3a.
Again thank you for leaving your comment, l will attach the follow up video to this one and two more of local interest you may enjoy watching, please feel free to share and comment if you so wish...be great to get your thoughts on them too.
Regards
Gary
Passport To The Past (Take 2)
th-cam.com/video/gTcREp4lVsk/w-d-xo.html
Stunning Spitfire Sculpture Salute
th-cam.com/video/Js9p1dSQ4bk/w-d-xo.html
Poppy 100 , RBL Centenary
th-cam.com/video/rNQVBCxnZaw/w-d-xo.html
@@timeslip9 Thank you very much for those kinds words but my remarks were only those that were truly deserved. Because you were so appreciative of my input I thought that I might show you something that I did a few years ago. This first link should take you to an old B/W aerial photo. of the farm known as Hurdle Hall (called Huddle Hall on some maps) . I can't remember the date of the photo. but it shows the extent of the farm and I have also overlaid the it with a map of the roads as they are at the present time. It is possible to see the threshold of runway 33 as it used to be on the left hand side of the image about 2/3rds of the way down. This was obviously before the runway was extended and the modified A45 with the curve can be clearly seen. I should probably add that while my Grandfather purchased the farm in 1933 he didn't stay for very long and sold it and had bought another farm further South in Watwickshire by 1939. I suspect that he decided that he didn't want to live and farm next to what was going to be, admittedly at that time, a small airport by today's standards even though, as again can be seen, the building of BHX wasn't going to encroach on his farm at that time. i.ibb.co/1GVbjD1/Hurdle-Hall-composition-4a.jpg
This next image shows the reverse of the above insofar as I have taken a recent aerial view of the same location and superimposed the outlines of the farm upon it. i.ibb.co/BtFPMgg/Hurdle-Hall-composition-6.jpg My Grandfather and Grandmother both lie nearby in Bickenhill churchyard and I just hope that they can't see what has happened to this once peaceful part of England.
With regard to the Wolseley 1500 I think mine was a 1960 and if I remember correctly the Riley 1.5 (as it was known) was an identical car except for the fact that the Riley had twin carbs. They always reckoned that the Riley would do 105 mph but I once got my car up to 95 mph on a flat piece of straight road and she wouldn't do a foot more than 95 ! And although you had to turn the ignition key first you actually started it by pushing a button. How modern was that !!!!
Thank you for taking the time to supply all the extra information and attachments, truly fascinating . When l was filming the video l often wished l could travel back in time and see how it was at the various times in the airports history (may have even bumped into your grandparents) , its why we gave some of the video the 'Black & White in the past ' effect with me walking around in a trilby...l was given a few strange looks l can tell you...but think it worked fairly well visually , although it was challenging trying not to show any modern day traffic ( again you may find the follow up 'Behind The Scenes & Outtakes' video interesting) .Yes the Wolseley does have a push button start...one of the last BMC cars to have a starting handle too.
Thanks again
Gary
@@timeslip9 Thank you Gary. I also found the "Behind The Scenes & Outtakes" video interesting as well. I was interested to see parts of Castle Bromwich because that is where I was born. On a farm that was being farmed by my parents. Regrettably it all disappeared under concrete and tarmac and high rise flats during the 1950s & 1960s. And now for something which is not connected with your videos but I also remember when what is now the Stonebridge traffic island was just a simple cross-roads. The Malt Shovel pub, now a Toby carvery I believe, was on the NW side and the Stonebridge Hotel was on the SE side.
Thank you.
As you know Castle Bromwich then l thought you may like to watch our 'reworked' Spitfire Island Battle of Britain Day tribute , it includes some extra footage that wasn't included in the Elmdon Airport/ Passport To The Past Outtakes video, l hope you enjoy watching it.
Gary
th-cam.com/video/Js9p1dSQ4bk/w-d-xo.html
What a lovely tribute to this very special building. My Dad was a greasemonkey on the Lancasters just after the war. Lived in Sheldon from the 60's until he passed away and I honestly don't think he realised the Lancaster link with Elmdon Airport. A great watch. Thanks Gary
Hi Phil
Thanks for leaving your comment, interesting to hear about your father working on Lancaster's around the same time of the Pathe film being shot at Elmdon...just after the war in Europe had ended (mid 1945) ....also interesting you saying that you don't think he was aware of the Elmdom Airport/ Lancaster bomber connection...this was one of the reasons l produced the video in the first place, as l have found that many STILL aren't aware of that link...my hope is that this video continues to spread the word.
Thanks again
Gary
Thank you! Watching your video brought back some very happy memories of cycling to Elmdon as a schoolboy in the early 50’s and spending many a Saturday afternoon plane spotting from the terminal building! I remember seeing the Viscount’s and Dakota’s leaving and arriving, but if I remember correctly there was a regular flight from there by a De Havilland Rapide passenger biplane which always fascinated me! Happy days!
Hello Anthony
It's always good to see the Elmdon Airport video still pulling in viewers who then go on to make a comment, such as yourself. Looking back all the hassle of trying to get it filmed at the time seems worth it now when getting a response to it such as yours ...do check out our second Elmdon video, the making of the first...l did doubt my sanity at times.
You mentioned two of my late father's favourite commercial aircraft, the DC3 Dakota and the delightful De Havilland Rapide, you possibly had the best of decades visiting Elmdon in the early 1950's, why l wanted to recreate that time with the classic cars and a trilby hat.
I have attached a link to our latest video, see if that takes provides you with another trip down Memory Lane too?
th-cam.com/video/6T-ItjMoUiw/w-d-xo.html
Do please share the video if you so wish and leave another comment too as they are always very much appreciated.
Gary
What a wonderful video . I remember very vividly climbing those spiral stairs in the 1960’s to photograph and marvel at the aeroplanes . My first commercial flight was from there to Guernsey on a BEA Viscount in 1974 , the start of my flying experiences , having flown all over the World now , and now living for the past 34 hrs in Australia . There’s a very special place in my heart for Elmdon , so many memories, all great and never to be repeated . I will be back in the UK in May and can’t wait to revisit the old airport again . Thanks for sharing this special piece of history with us .
Hi David
Thank you for taking the time to comment, its always good to know the video that took 7 months to complete is still being watched and enjoyed two years on now from being posted....can l ask how you 'found it' ?. I like yourself have a soft spot for Elmdon Airport, and for a while had the idea of making a film about it after seeing there was very little that l could find about it on TH-cam. Lovely old thing the Viscount, as was the DC3....the Lancaster is one of my all time favourites...so wanted to spotlight the little known fact about the assembly of 'Lancs' at Elmdon...do check out the Pathe film linked to the video...its absolutely fascinating. I will attach a few of my other videos that you may enjoy watching (including the making of Passport To The Past) ....and if you have a chance to spread the word on them if you do Facebook and the like...that would be very much appreciated...especially as you say you are based 'Down Under'.
Thanks again
Gary
Passport To The Past Take 2
th-cam.com/video/gTcREp4lVsk/w-d-xo.html
Stunning Spitfire Sculpture Salute
th-cam.com/video/Js9p1dSQ4bk/w-d-xo.html
“Reach For The Sky” Movie Theme
th-cam.com/video/nuVNvyg3Ly4/w-d-xo.html
Magnificent Mosquito Theme
th-cam.com/video/jPIrWmXLlHo/w-d-xo.html
Arnhem 75th / A Bridge Too Far
th-cam.com/video/I12FHcpQF2o/w-d-xo.html
Come Dance With Me
th-cam.com/video/IeI2lWOKsSI/w-d-xo.html
Poppy 100/ RBL Centenary
th-cam.com/video/rNQVBCxnZaw/w-d-xo.html
Two quick memories.
Approx 1968, sat in the rear seat of my father’s VW 1303 beetle as we moved along the A45. I recall the green airport beacon flashing BIR in Morse code _ … .. ._.
It always was a compelling part of my journey to watch and decode the flashes.
Fast forward to 1999, ( I’d been flying for Monarch , Flying Colours and JMC. ) With 2600 hours of right seat time, Training Standards Captain Roger Chandler gave me my command on the wonderful JMC Boeing 757.
Happy days. Superb Elmdon memories.
Nice to know this video is still being found.
In 1968 l was a 9 years old aircraft enthusiast sat in the rear of my late fathers Hillman Minx going along the A45 and l too can recall the flashing green airport beacon, although l must confess l had no idea it was putting out the morse code for Birmingham Airport, you live and learn.
Nice to get a comment from an actual pilot who has flown out of and into Elmdon/Birmingham airport, made my day you have. Great aircraft the Boeing 757, distinctive vivid green tail you had with JMC if l recall?
Please share the video if you so wish and check out some of our others, most but not all have an aviation related theme ...you may enjoy 'Return To Elmdon Airport' too. Thanks Gary
Great video and really enjoyed watching!. I’m too young to have ever flown out from the original terminal but I did work next door in the Argosy Building for ‘Elmdon Cargo Handling’ for many years. I remember as the office junior in 1996, posting the mail from the office in that post box daily on my way home. Not sure when it would have last been used though. I left that job in 2007 and the ‘cargo centre’ has changed quite a bit since then. Glad the building was saved from demolition.
Pleased you enjoyed the video (also check out 'Return To Elmdon Airport ', you may enjoy that too).
Great, finally some feedback regarding the Elmdon Terminal 'Post Box' and someone who used it regularly too, 1996 then...interesting.
The old terminal building is stunning to look at, l just hope it stays protected and eventually is put to good use, a local heritage and events centre maybe, with restaurant/cafe and aircraft viewing point...lets hope so anyway.
Brings back a lot of memories of being a plane spotter in the 1970's and early 1980's at Elmdon. Good old BHX. One of those restaurants I think became the spotters lounge at some point during the 1970's and I also remember going up into that multi-story car park to take photos of planes parked by the hangers. We use to hang around the checkin desks and "collect" the baggage tags for different airlines!!! I also remember that there used to be an outside spotters enclosure to the left hand side of the apron (again I think this opened part way through the 1970's).
Hi Lee
Thank you for leaving your comment, feedback from the very people the video in part was aimed at (talking about their own memories of Elmdon/ Birmingham airport) makes the many hours spent filming and on the post production of the video worthwhile ....pleased you enjoyed it. I think its turned out to be our second most viewed video. If you haven't watched it already ?...l will point you in the direction of the follow up video 'Passport To The Past Take 2', its a light-hearted behind the scenes look how this video was made...with a few extra bits throw in too...if you watch it...again please leave a comment as l would be interested in your thoughts.
Please do share the video if you so wish.
Thanks again
Gary
Thank you for bringing back memories of my childhood. I was born in 1973 and took my first ever flight from Elmdon on 5th June 1982, Orion Airways G-BGTW to Reus. A year later I made the same flight, and little did I know it would be the last time I'd ever fly from this wonderful place. It was here, as an 8 year old girl, I made my mind up I wanted to work on aviation one day, (sadly though, that never happened). I have so many happy memories of visiting the airport with my family where my love of civil aviation was born. Just the atmosphere of the place, the excitement of being in that bustling terminal along with the sights, smells and sounds from the viewing platform where I spent many a happy hour just watching with my grandpa's binoculars and air band radio, making notes of the registration numbers of the aircraft I saw and then logging them in my civil aviation markings books. Those were the days and it just isn't the same anymore. Once again, thank you for taking me back to the early 80's and my dreams.
Thank you for taking the time to comment on the video, l always appreciate feedback...good or bad. Really pleased you enjoyed watching it...it was made with a lot of love and respect for the place... and hope that comes across in my presentation . I try to be both informative and entertaining at the same time...without taking myself too seriously. If the video as in your case helps to recall happy memories from the past ...it makes the whole project worthwhile.
Please do watch some of our other videos that maybe of interest to you.
Thanks again
Gary
I share the exact same sentiments as yourself. My grandparents lived in Marston Green above what used to be the Co-op, now Drinks World. I spent many happy days over at the golf course, the country park and the viewing area in the main terminal.
I was born in '79 so ive vivid memorys of the late 80's/early 90's over there.
I also did my Work Experience with Maersk Air who used to operate Bac 1-11's on behalf of British Airways, that was '95.
I still regularly visit the airport with my own children who have taken to it like i have.
Its great to read stories about the memorys of other people at the same time as myself.
Take care and stay safe.
Thank you for this brilliant video that I have stumbled across by accident. We flew from Elmdon Airport on many occasions to the sunshine of Spain, Italy and Greece for our holidays. As a privileged 12yr old in 1977, the first time I ever boarded a plane was from here for a holiday in Majorca. I was overcome with the excitement as we left home, but to then arrive at that beautiful white airport and to see the planes, the beaches of Majorca fell into insignificance. And then to fly for the first time on an airliner without any 'adult' fears of crashing or anything going wrong, just topped the lot off for me. I couldn't wait to fly home again for the repeated experience. I am so pleased to learn that Elmdon is a listed building and so it should be. I haven't flown abroad for the last six years and I have no desire to do so anytime soon. Sadly, today's needed security of removing belts, shoes and pocket belongings into a tray, spoils any ambiance of going on holiday. It's like going to the swimming baths, almost strip off to get re-dressed two minutes later !! That, along with the present Covid situation means that I'll be staying in the U.K for the forseeable future. Incidentally, I never did have a problem with the full body Xray camera's. I'd rather a few security staff see my bits than see a bomb !! Thanks for bringing back the nostalgia of 1970's air travel. Cheers, Dave xx
Hi Dave
Thank you for your fascinating comment, it’s nice to know people are still finding the video .This time last year we were coming to the end of the main filming for it ...due to the first Covid lockdown...pleased you enjoyed watching it and that it brought back a lot of happy memories. Can I point you in the direction of the follow up video to it 'Passport To The Past (Take 2)...may provide you with a few laughs.... with outtakes and some behind the scenes footage from the Elmdom Airport video....please do leave a comment on it...and feel free to share the videos too. Thanks again .Gary
PS
l have attached the link to the follow up video.
th-cam.com/video/gTcREp4lVsk/w-d-xo.html
Fantastic Video. Thank you!
Elliot, thank you for your comment, its good to know that the video is still being found and enjoyed . Please do check out some of our other videos , many have links to aviation that you may find interesting.
Gary
Great and very informative video Gary, some interesting facts I didn’t know about my local airport. Was a pleasure to meet you too.
Hi James
Good to meet you at the airport today , very interesting leaning new things from you (especially about my car registration number aviation link) . Thank you for watching the video 'Passport To The Past', and leaving your comment. I see you and Stuart Sadler have subscribed. Do try to watch the follow up ,'Return To Elmdon Airport/ Outtakes Special, it may give you a few laughs, the Royal British Legion Poppy 100 video is worth a watch too. If you can share any of the videos that would be great, all helps to spread the word.Thanks again. Gary
Lovely vlog.
Yes, like an episode of "Goodnight Sweetheart". 👍
Thanks for the comment
Yes, some of the video does have the look of 'Goodnight Sweetheart', if only we could travel back in time and change things.
Fantastic film Gary. Really interesting to see the the airport 'then & now'. It's a lovely old building and deserves to be put to good use.
Thanks Bill
Pleased we found a way of including the Tongue & Groove Big Band ...you guys are without doubt the finest l know...performing 'Come Fly With Me' one more time from that viewing platform...now that would be something very special indeed !
Gary
completely perfect ! ✅✅
Thanks for bringing back memories- I grew up watching the aircraft going in and out of Elmdon, having moved away many years ago its nice to see the building still looking magnificent.
Welcome aboard Bob ,
Pleased the video brought back some happy memories for you ...and then prompted you to leave a comment...its very much appreciated .
Yes...the building 'externally' is as magnificent as ever...its always a thrill for me walking up to it...with this video we really tried to showcase the building...both as a reminder to people like yourself who know it well...and to others who have never heard of Elmdon Airport...let alone seen the terminal...the reaction to the video has been very rewarding...it started out as just telling the story of the Lancaster bomber connection...but we ending doing a 25 minute documentary style film about the place...so glad we did now.
Please feel free to share the video...also do check out our other videos.
Thanks again
Gary
Hope they find a good use for that lovely terminal building - a museum would be nice, but probably unlikely! I was born in Sheldon and later lived in Solihull, very near the airport, so have great memories of it!
Thank you for your comment. Part of the reason for me wanting to make a video about the Elmdon airport terminal building was to highlight the historical significance for its continued survival. l can only hope that some good use is made of this stunning looking building and that it will forever remain part of the local communities heritage. Feel free to share and please do watch some of our other videos (including the follow up to this one) Thanks again.Gary
@@timeslip9 Ok, thanks. Will do😀
Gary, thank you for this very interesting video. I was born in Solihull in January 1948 and recall the airport being referred to as Elmdon Aerodrome. Before I was four years old my parents took me to the aerodrome when there must have been some kind of display because my father took me for a flight from the aerodrome, which I have no recollection of. Very recently I was in a Charity Shop looking for some frames when I came across a framed picture (a painting) of the building with two passenger bi planes standing outside and a few passengers milling around. The illustration is entitled The Elmdon Building circa 1939. It now hangs in my sitting room. Once again thank you for a very informative video. Keith Jeffries
Keith... thank you for taking the time to leave your comment...feedback from people with their own memories is always something we are pleased to receive and hear about... glad you found the video interesting too. Lucky find that the painting in the charity shop...is the artist named ?. We are currently working on 'Passport To The Past 2'...a follow up video showing how the first video was made ...including the many outtakes/ bloopers , plus a few extra bits...so look out for that coming soon...best way is to subscribe so you will then receive a automatic notification . Please check out some of out other videos too.
Thanks again. Gary
@@timeslip9 A King 1993 is in the bottom right hand corner of the picture. Hope this helps. Keith
Hi Keith
I will see if l can find out more regards the painting.
Thanks again
Gary
@@timeslip9 It would be interesting to find out more. Thanks
It may well be Alan King. A Google search will tell you more. Keith
Yes - and my husband and I own a 1949 Series 1 Morgan - it always causes hilarity, the Morgans in a Morgan!
I didn't actually notice your tie! Picked up you were singing and then the background music in the restaurant video clip.
I read in another reply you mention an out takes production - I'll certainly look forward to watching that one too.
Very enjoyable, and pleased to play a very small part - glad to know its a listed building (Rob Hayton)
Hi Rob,
Your contribution to the video you say was very small...but the photo you kindly allowed us to use of Lancaster NX611 at Lincoln Aviation Heritage Centre with pilot Mike Chatterton in the cockpit about to start up No 4 Merlin engine is a real gem ...so thank you. I know Mike through when he was our special guest at the Sold Out RAF100 and Dambusters 75th Music event at the RAF Museum Cosford in 2018...very professional and a nice guy to work with. Funny...l tried to get the band and l to East Kirkby a few years ago now to do something similar...sadly the offer was never taken up...which was a real shame... regardless of which l wish the ongoing restoration of the Lancaster to flying condition every success. Pleased you enjoyed the video. Thanks again.
Gary
timeslip9 Hi Gary - Yes Mike is a nice guy - he always does fast engine runs much longer than the other pilots. I’ve tried to get a few people I know to be part of events at EK, but dare I say it, they seem to be very insular there....
All the best - P.S. - I’ve subscribed to the channel
About 1967 dad and me turned up in a blue Ford Popular leopard skin seat covers ... 979 FOE ... to meet my aunt uncle and son waiting for them to get off a BEA Viscount ( under the right “wing” of the building)waiting at the glass double doors.. guarded by a guard... dressed in a kind of maroon uniform flat peaked cap gold trim and seeing them walk from the plane across the tarmac through the glass “wall” ... she in a mustard Jackie Kennedy two piece suit and matching peaked cap ...just flying in from Paris . Stayed with us for around a week then taking them to Snow Hill Station to catch a Blue Pullman ... via Manchester to Paddington . Remember climbing the stairs at Snow Hill onto the platform. Only seemed to wait for about 15 minutes then the train turning up. Seen them board and waved goodbye as they disappeared through the link tunnel to Moore Street then beyond then onto visit London , onto Heathrow and Venice then back to The States . I know the same feelings as yourself about the old building as often walk down to see “The Old Girl” and have the same memories of the winding stairs to the observation level .Only thing I don’t remember is what time of year that they came... must have been early summer .. One final comment is that I now don’t live that far from Elmdon but grew up in Sparkbrook and the flight path out of Brum was about a mile from the back of the house... BUT .. could hear that trademark sound of the Turbo Props of the Viscount. Oh memories of childhood 😊
Hi Mark
Sorry for the delay in replying, but I've been recovering from the worst case of food poisoning in 25 years (courtesy of a well known take away food outlet). Thank you for taking the time and for the attention to detail in your comment left here. It was fascinating to read and just the sort of feedback and memories l hoped the video would generate.
When l look back now on the making of the video there were times when l could of easily thrown the towel in (see our outtakes video 'Passport To The Past TAKE 2' to get an understanding on this), but glad now l persevered as in your case the video is still being found and enjoyed .
Thank you again for your comment, it was much appreciated.
Gary
th-cam.com/video/gTcREp4lVsk/w-d-xo.html
"Passport To The Past TAKE 2"
Great goodnight sweetheart link - really like the way you walk into the present day.
Hi Julie ,
I can’t tell you how pleased l am that a fan of the actual TV programme itself 'Goodnight Sweetheart' likes what we have done regarding this video...a film basically about aviation...but we needed a visual way to 'time-travel' from the 1960's to the present day....as a fan of 'Goodnight Sweetheart' myself...l thought the' trilby wearing time traveler' theme/ look would work well on screen ...if we didn't try to just do a blatant copy of the TV programme itself...even though l do share 'Mr Sparrow's' christian name....l have never even worn a trilby hat before. Actress Michelle Holmes (Mrs Sparrow) has liked the video also..which is a really nice touch too.
If you check out our other videos you will see I'm a vocalist with the superb Tongue & Groove Big Band...l will have to ask Bandleader Bill Richardson if there is a chance (when things get back to normal) that we could perform the theme tune to 'Goodnight Sweetheart ' ...they are a great swing band.
Please do feel free to share the video with your fellow fans...as we appreciate any feedback on TH-cam.
Thanks again.
Gary
Some videos are a pleasure to watch - this is certainly one of them. You've brought an old building to life again Gary.
As impressive as always, already looking forward to your next one!
Oli
Hi Oli.
Thank you for your kind words.
Happy childhood memories stay with you for a lifetime...both Elmdon Airport and its terminal for me are two such memories...so it was a pleasure for me to act out my 'script ' for it if you like to bring the old terminal 'back to life' for that 1960's look .
Its great that people want to see more videos from us...but l can't see me doing another on this scale again....very time consuming they are to put together...be very difficult for me to top this video anyway....why l gave it the ending l did...me jetting off 'Up Up & Away' and disappearing into the clouds...fitting conclusion really.
Gary
Nice top set Elmdon will be doing aircraft for the RAF again.
Hi Paul
Thank you for leaving your comment. I have always had a soft spot for Elmdon Airport...but found it disappointing there was very little on TH-cam about it as it is now....the old terminal in particular...so decided to make my own video (a labour of love basically)...also highlighting the Lancaster bomber connection.
Look out for the follow up video coming soon.
Please subscribe...you will then automatically be notified of the follow up video.
Thanks again
Gary
Great to see another video from you Gary!
Firstly and most importantly I hope you're keeping well.
I'll admit I've never heard of Elmdon - but this video along with your presentation of the building makes it feel as if I've known it for years! A lot of history in there indeed.
Regards, JP
Hi John-Paul,
Good to hear from you again...thank you for taking the time to comment ...much appreciated.
A very different looking video this one...that at times proved very frustrating to get filmed (the bad weather mainly)...also people going about their daily lives...not really knowing l was trying to get a video made...but that's all part of the challenge of filming on location....we may post a follow up video showing some of the many 'outtakes' we ended up with during the filming of 'Passport To The Past'...some we hope would put a smile on viewers faces.
Many ...like yourself may not of heard of Elmdon Airport (are you UK based ?) or know about its historically important terminal building...if this video in some small way helps to redress that...then the whole project for me would have been worthwhile. Thanks again for your interest.
Gary
@@timeslip9 thanks for the reply.
Yes I'm in the UK, Chester. I'll make sure to check out your other videos 👍
Well, there's thing. 13:45 and the Birmingham Coat of Arms is seen on a building which is now in Solihull!
Very interesting video. We have direct line-of-sight from our house to the airport and used to enjoy watching the planes come and go. Until the council in their rush to eco-friendliness came and planted a copse in the way! Vandals.
Hi Les, sorry for the delay in replying, but have been working on our latest video, about the 'Birmingham Mystery Hawker Typhoon' do please check it out and l look forward to hearing your thoughts on it.
Regarding the Birmingham Coat of Arms being on a building in Solihull, when the terminal was originally built in the 1930's were the boundaries different back then? ...just a thought. Thank you for taking the time to comment. Gary
I think that that it has always been in Solihull. Birmingham City Council buses only ran as far as Arden Oak Road, where there was a terminal. The only way to get to airport on a bus was on a Midland Red bus.
I worked in the old terminal building left there in 2013. & worked at 3 different location there including the building at hanger 2. & the old excelsior. The duchess of Gloucester came back in about 2010 approx. & in the foyer they had a picture of her with the Lord mayor of bhx. When she opened it. & her lady in waiting sent a letter complaining about the toilets in the building. Sadly this building has been neglected. So many Memories of this airport. I also belive an episode of miss Marple filmed the airport terminal.
Thank you for taking the time to leave your comment, l really like all the personal details you made which l found fascinating (the toilets not being up to the Royal standard required in particular). As l say in my summing up at the end of the video, lets hope the old terminal building is afforded the secure future it deserves as it is an important part of our local heritage. If you enjoyed the video, please do forward it on. You may enjoy watching the follow up video showing how the video was made and some of the outtakes from it ,l will attach the link. Thanks again. Gary
th-cam.com/video/gTcREp4lVsk/w-d-xo.html
A really interesting watch and stunning car (Gazelle?) I never knew even half the history of the old terminal.
Great references to 5th Dimension too - I bet the only balloons to have been near were the barrage balloons protecting the city during the war?
Hello Bea ,
Very appropriate name as l refer to BEA / British European Airways several times in this video....your surname too 'Morgan' is a classic car. Yes the classic car l drive at the start of 'Passport To The Past' is a 1960 Singer Gazelle 111a. Out of nearly 10000 views and over 20 comments you are the only one to pick up on the hidden hints of the song 'Up Up & Away' by The 5th Dimension....so well done...you sure you haven't read the films script ? As to your other question regards balloons... not the ones on my tie...the barrage variety ...yes many were placed over locations to dissuade low flying enemy aircraft.
Gary
We need to see some film of inside the building as it is now, warts an' all.
Hi John
Thank you for leaving your comment.Yes not being able to include the interior of the terminal (as it is now) and go 'airside' as it is now was like telling just half the story...but l was lucky to get as close as l did...l hope it didn't spoil you enjoying the rest of the video that has been well received and commented on, which has to be good for the building itself.
Thanks again
Gary
I think the old building was used for something after the new terminal was opened.
Really enjoyed it Gary you should have done TV documentary work your really good at it 😁
Hi Kim ,
Thank you for your kind words, once l turned 60 last year l decided to virtually retire myself from singing (although that is me performing 'Downtown' over the end credits...recorded last year ) ln my opinion vocalist shouldn't go for too long...it doesn't sound or look good the older you get... it was just a natural move really for me to go into the documentary style of presenting ...which l have always enjoyed.... pleased you liked watching the video.
You may find some of the other attached videos of interest.
Thanks again.
Gary