Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council

Thornaby Aerodrome - Then & Now!

A LEAFLET celebrating Thornaby's aviation history and inviting people to take a self-guided walk around its landmarks is to be launched this week during Battle of Britain month.

Between 1930 and 1958 Thornaby aerodrome played host to aircraft and their crews from around the world.

The leaflet takes people on a tour of approximately 90 minutes and takes in 19 sites that hark back to the town's aviation past, from the full size replica Spitfire, on the roundabout where Thornaby Road meets Trenchard Avenue, to the airman's statue, the NAAFI building, the aeroplane shed and the armoury.

You can discover the houses which were once home to the married airmen and their families and the airmen's barrack blocks. The walk takes you along Martinet Road where the original main entrance to the aerodrome was once located and will take you past the site where the hangars once stood.

The leaflet has been produced as part of the Thornaby Gateway Spitfire Project, funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund, which has seen Thornaby Town Council and Stockton Council work in partnership to place the replica Spitfire on the roundabout in Thornaby.

Volunteers David Thompson, Ron Young and Geoff Green have created the self-guided walk for the leaflet together with contributions from others.

Mr Thompson, an aircraft enthusiast with an interest in local aviation, said: "Thornaby Aerodrome's history is quite significant and I want it to be remembered. Every building along the trail has a story to tell and if we don't tell it that story will be forgotten.
"The trail is all about remembering the past while discovering Thornaby as it is now in the present day."

If you have problems downloading this leaflet please contact the number shown and a hard copy shall be issued.