The History of RAF Stoke Orchard.
Richard Chatham
- Regions:
- Bristol, Gloucestershire, Worcestershire, Hereford
- Notice Period:
- Short (maybe less than one month's notice)
- Type:
- Semi Professional/Hobby
- Fee:
- Paid: From £50 depending length of talk + extended Travel expenses
- Category:
- History
- Updated:
- 31st October 2023
Whilst Chairman of the local Parish Council, I had reason to research an old airfield on the edge of the Parish. We were rebuilding the Playground next to the Community Centre and it was a suggestion that we should make it a living memorial to those who served on the airfield during WWII. What I discovered was amazing. all that is left now is the big flat field and four now renovated hangars used mainly of recycling. In its hay day, RAF Stoke Orchard was the home of the Elementary Flying school No. 10, the Glider Training School No. 3, the War Dept. Maintenance Unit No 7 and WAAF officers Training School. The dining hall sat 600 at one sitting! I will guide you through its development from planning to the present day - introduce you to some of the amazing characters that trained there. (On D. Day the first three gliders that landed at Pegasus Bridge were trained here in our Parish) and use some original photos from the Luftwaffe to secret documents now derestricted from the War Department. I hear you ask where the .???? is Stoke Orchard. well it is three miles North of Cheltenham as the crow - or a glider- flies. and once the home of Amy Johnson the Aviatrix. The little Church is home to the World Renowned Wall Paintings dedicated to St James, and the stepping off point for the Pilgrimages to Santiago de Compostella. Once the base of the National Coal Research department though that is now long gone and the photo shows our Community Centre and Memorial Playground.
Views: 542 | Enquiries: 4About Richard Chatham
Before I give my life story, I wish to clarify that I speak about subjects in which I have a personal. However, I have had to limit my ravelling times, in most cases to an hours either way unless especial circumstances prevail. I live close to Tewkesbury in Gloucestershire. I hope this will provide speaker secretaries an idea of the distance I am happy to travel; if in doubt, please ask.
I have gathered a startling range of experiences having been involved with charity and social organisations from the age of 14. These organisations provided such varied milestones working with Royalty, speaking to the largest AGM in Western Europe with 5000 delegates and being awarded the "Best Speaker" accolade, appointed a Senior Marshall for the Ryder Cup, Starter for the European Golf Seniors Tour, and acted as Master of Ceremonies at events from Business Conferences to Weddings. and Local and County chairmanship of such organisations. It all started at the Gloucestershire Federation of Young Farmers Clubs where I learned Public Speaking. I still teach and train youngsters of the YFC and it is rewarding to see the confidence it brings at all ages especially when they win competitions at National Level.
I started after dinner talks some 40 years ago and have spoken at Dinners nationwide. Preparation is so important and I take great care in ensuring that each presentation suits the audience of the day.
I enjoy researching the back ground for my presentations. The talks I give are all about subjects with which I, or close family, have been personally involved so providing that extra bit of information from personal experience or from historic evidence within my possession. I personally research, write and prepare each Presentation myself so providing that extra inside knowledge so important to providing an interesting presentation that flows.
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