North Coates Summer Fly-In 2022

Cycling UK Louth visit to North Coates Fly-In

Sunday 17th July 2022

A Met Office Amber ‘extreme heat’ warning had been issued for today with temperatures forecast to rise to 30 degrees Celsius or higher by 3 pm. A decision was made therefore to shorten the route and make North Coates our destination, returning home by 1 pm when temperatures would still be a more comfortable 27 degrees. Never the less there would be plenty of time to enjoy the Summer Fly-In at the airfield.

Joining today’s Ride Leader Alan Hockham were John Ambler, John Rickett, Tim Newbery, Chris Owen and Rob Cook who had missed last week’s ride. Apologies had been received from Paul Linder.

Departing the Meridian Leisure Centre at 09.30 am it was much cloudier than forecast, resulting in a pleasant temperature of 21 degrees providing perfect cycling conditions. One fly in the ointment, or more precisely 1000’s of flies in the sun cream, was an abundance of small thrips or thunderflies having been recently disturbed from the fields of wheat and barley. For their minute size, it’s amazing how every wriggle can be felt.

Onwards through Covenham St. Mary and Covenham St. Bartholomew, Bull Bank would lead us to the Louth Navigation. A short stop to take a drink of water to prevent any risk of dehydration with pleasant views of Fulstow Bridge in the distance.

Next stop North Coates, entering the former RAF Camp along the evocative Kenneth Campbell Road. Flying Officer Kenneth Campbell, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve (VC) was stationed at RAF North Coates.

The Fly-In was in full swing on arrival and we were escorted into the car park by Charles Burrell and Sons traction engine ‘Genie’. There was also a collection of classic and vintage cars. The engine of the Jaguar XJS HE Coupe was enormous!

There was of course a number of aircraft arriving and departing the airfield, taking advantage of the ‘CAVOK’ flying conditions. The marshals were working hard in organising their safe transit.

Refreshments were taken in the hangar where members enjoyed a chat, Rob Cook reminiscing the days he spent working at the airfield and Alan recounting his association with the aviation industry and the development of the Hawker Siddeley Harrier Jump Jet (formerly known as the Kestrel). Tim’s father was also stationed at RAF North Coates in 1962 when it was the trial site for the Bristol Bloodhound Mark 1 missile as part of No. 264 Air Defence Squadron.

Before departure we were delighted to meet up with Alan Richards who was also visiting the flying day. We would have liked to have had a longer chat but with the temperature now a very warm 27 degrees it was time for a steady return back to Louth; for Chris a return home having originally cycled into Louth to meet up with us.

A headwind and partly cloudy skies kept conditions a little fresher than it might otherwise have been and a couple of stops to take on water were welcomed. Arrived back at the Leisure Centre a little before 1 pm having covered 29 miles. (Editor's note: temperatures rose to 30 Celsius as forecast by 3 pm).