News

The building on the airfield

By Peter Hogben

I came across this old photograph of a building on the old Hawkinge airfield which housed three fire engine bays when it was used by the RAF.

The one nearest to the camera was converted for use as a motorcycle store by Channel Rider Training which operated from the airfield.

The buildings were virtually derelict when we moved in from the old Hawkinge Adventure Centre. 

Two of the bays were used by a gun club and one by us. They were built to a bomb proof standard and all we needed to do was build in the open ends and we had a waterproof store for a fleet of motorcycles.

Over 5,000 riders were trained there over the late 60s early 70s. 

We had a reputation which attracted riders from all over the South East and the world sidecar champion team from Yorkshire were trained there. They were top riders on the track but couldn't ride on the road until they got their licences. 

Three of the actors from the TV show London's Burning also attended as did three surgeons who said that biking removed the stress of operating every day. 

Many riders for the Kent Police force started their training on the courses we ran.

The chief instructor Brian Morrish, who lived in Folkestone, got to know so many riders in Kent that whenever he went out on the road, he would be waved at by what seemed every biker that passed. 

We intended to run the scheme on a break even basis but it later became a business as the Government gradually pushed for higher standards which increased the costs. Much of the income was put into the Spitfire Leisuredrome to help keep it running.

The centre was approved by the Department of Transport for training services but eventually it moved to Ross Way in Shorncliffe when it was decided to build new homes on the airfield.

The chief instructor Brian Morrish and I were put up for MBEs or similar by the county council for services to road safety but we heard no more. I think we were probably too scruffy for the Palace.