MEIR Aerodrome Short History - Stoke on Trent - 3 minute Story with Destination Discovery

Meir Aerodrome was located just south of the A50 road, about 3.5 miles southeast of Stoke on Trent town centre, and 2 miles from Longton station.
It was originally known as City Aerodrome, and was operated by the National Flying Services and the North Staffordshire Aero Club on behalf of Stoke on Trent Corporation. The aerodrome had a hard runway, a hangar, a terminal building, and a control tower. It also had a long taxiway that connected it to the Rootes factory at Blythe Bridge, where aircraft parts were manufactured during the Second World War.
Meir Aerodrome was a popular destination for both civil and military aviation. It hosted several air shows and events, such as the National Aviation Day displays organised by Sir Alan Cobham in the 1930s. It also served as a training base for the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, the No. 28 Elementary and Reserve Flying Training School, the No. 1 Flying Practice Unit, and the No. 5 Elementary Flying Training School. It also accommodated various types of aircraft, such as Tiger Moths, Ansons, Oxfords, and Spitfires.
Meir Aerodrome also played a role in the development of regional airlines and air transport. Before the Second World War, it was used by the Railway Air Services, which operated flights to London, Liverpool, Manchester, and other destinations. After the war, it was used by Dragon Airways, which offered charter flights and air taxi services. Meir Aerodrome also facilitated the movement of people and goods, such as mail, newspapers, and flowers.
Meir Aerodrome faced several challenges and difficulties in its later years. It suffered from competition from other airports, such as Birmingham and Manchester, which had better facilities and connections. It also faced environmental and safety issues, such as noise pollution, bird strikes, and fog. It also struggled to cope with the increasing demand and regulations of modern aviation.
Meir Aerodrome closed in the early 1970s, and the site was redeveloped for housing and retail purposes. The last official flight was on 16 August 1973, when Fred Holdcroft flew a Piper Tri-Pacer carrying a Sentinel journalist to Manchester. The last unofficial flight was a few years later, by Eric Clutton, who flew a home-made folding machine called FRED, which he towed home behind his car. The site is now occupied by the Meir Park housing estate, which has mainly aviation-associated street names, such as Spitfire Way, Anson Road, and Avro Way. The Airport Garage, which was once part of the aerodrome, still remains on the opposite side of the road.
Meir Aerodrome was a significant and influential part of Stoke on Trent’s history and heritage. It contributed to the advancement and promotion of aviation and industry in the region. It also provided entertainment and education for the public and the enthusiasts. It also witnessed and experienced many changes, challenges, and opportunities, and adapted and evolved accordingly. Meir Aerodrome was more than just an airport, it was a community, with its own stories, traditions, and values. It was part of the history and the future of Stoke on Trent.
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[@user-yd9bj3bs8g]

Flew tiger moth, auster, and three gliders T21, T49 and T45 from 1967 to 1971.
Still flying and gliding 57 years later. John.FAI/BGA 51417.

[@destinationdiscoveryuk]

Love that. Something I would love to do.