Message Board Archive - Contact Notices - Guestbook - non-USAF 2006

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Sent: Tuesday, December 19, 2006 10:50 PM
Subject: Lost Persons
From: antex--at--xtra.co.nz
Name: Laurence Farnley
Message:
I cant believe it but I have been able to make contact with my good friends the Rivetts of some fifty years ago through your Noticeboard. Someone else was looking for them for a reunion and made contact with me to see if I had had any luck. With the information I could supply of some fifty years ago he was able to trace them down. You are doing a remarkable job and I for one appreciate your efforts. Keep up the good work and have a very Merry Christmas.
Cheers
Laurence Farnley.
PS:- You can now take my message off the Noticeboard. [done - ed.]

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Subject: Turn Cottage, Turn Lane
From: sheila--at--thehardmans.com
Name: Sheila
Message:
I live in Woodbridge for a happy year back in 1974 in Turn Cottage on Turn Lane. Sadly the few photographs I took were lost. I would dearly love it if someone somehow could provide some pictures of Turn Lane and that cottage. I'd love both current pictures and any dating from the mid-1970s. If I have submitted this request to the wrong forum, my apologies. Thank you!

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Monday 06th of November 2006
Lyn (email: lyn-at-bazwright.com)

Woodbridge Connection:

Now located: Sheffield

Message: Great great great grandfather William Howard born Woodbridge circa 1804, a chair maker. His wife Sophia nee Hurron also born Woodbridge 1807. They had moved to London by 1851. Notice Howard name on the War Memorial.
Any Howards out there who may connect with my family tree?

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Sunday 05th of November 2006
Sylvia Worth (email: sylvia.worth-at-btopenworld.com)

Woodbridge Connection: Birthplace of Great Great Grandmother

Now located: Staffordshire

Message: I have traced my ancestors back to Woodbridge. Sarah Levitt was my 2xgrt grandmother b. 1829 and her father was named William b.1796 and married Elizabeth King. I feel sure his grave lies in St Mary's churchyard and I hope to visit the town sometime next year. If anyone has any knowledge of this family please let me know.

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Friday 3rd of November 2006
Michelle Anne Theobald (email: michelle2669-at-hotmail.co.uk)

Woodbridge Connection: I grew up in Woodbridge

Now located: Hunmanby nr Filey, North Yorkshire

Message:
I want my family back. My dad Arthur George Theobald (titch) was born in Woodbridge in 1935. My grandma lived at 3 Deben Rd. Dad moved back with me, my mum and brother when he left the navy. My dad died when I was 13 - my mum moved us up north. She has since died. I know I have family still in Woodbridge. I want my children to know my dad's family too. I have no photo of my dad, they were all destroyed in a fire. I have a big part of me missing. Not a day goes by that I don't think about my dad. When my mum took me away I had no choice. My dad was a postman and we lived at 3 Colletts Walk. Please help me find my family.

Michelle Theobald x

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Thursday, 2nd November
From: John (rufflesjo-at-hotmail.com)
Subject: lost relative

Message:
I am looking for a old relative on my mother's side of the family. We think he used to work in the post office in Woodbridge in the 1940s or 1950s. We are not certain of these dates - all we have is a name of Jim and and wifes name May. Also an auntie Howard - not certain if that is her first or last name. Hope you can help.
Thank you
John Ruffles.

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Monday 30th of October 2006
Cass (email: weldermlc(at)yahoo.co.uk)

Woodbridge Connection: had a brief visit and want a holiday there as it seemed very nice

Now located: Kent

Message: Does anybody have self-catering accommodation in woodbridge which will be vacant between approx 27th dec - 2nd Jan 2007 for 5 people 4 adults/1 5yr old) (3 bedrooms) we would like a family holiday but are having no luck finding anything.
Any help gratefully received.

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Wednesday 23rd of August 2006
Jenny Hodges (email: woodbridgesite -at- hotmail.com)

Woodbridge Connection: Robert Woodbridge born at Bristol, England was my gggrandfather who was transported as a convict to Australia in 1821.
I have an extensive webpage up called "Woodbridge Family In Australia" if you'd like to pay a visit: http://jennyhodges.tripod.com/ - the website traces the descendants of Robert Woodbridge from Bristol, England who arrived as a convict in 1821. I would like to hear from any descendants of the Woodbridge family.

Now located: Tumut NSW Australia
Message: Pay a visit to my webpage - Woodbridge Family In Australia: http://jennyhodges.tripod.com/

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Tuesday 08th of August 2006
Jon Ablitt
Woodbridge Connection: Parents lived there.
Now located: Northants
Message: Lovely place.

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Sunday, July 16, 2006
Eddie (email: eevans<at>aanet.com.au)

Does anyone know the road address of a house called castle cote in Woodbridge. Was evacuated there around 1944. Would like to see it again, if only via Google Earth
Thanks

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Wednesday 12th of July 2006
David (email: dkipling<at>bcit.ca)

Woodbridge Connection: Suffolk family

Message: re CATTERMOLE family: My father went to work in Suffolk (Debenham) in the 1930's at the age of 15, on a farm, living with and working under a marvellous horseman named Frank Cattermole. I'd love to trace that man's family. Frank Cattermole back then had only one eye, but my father always said Frank could see more with his one eye than most men saw with two! "The most remarkably intelligent man I ever met" was my dad's quote. Can anyone suggest a way of finding the Debenham Cattermoles today?
David Kipling
BC, Canada

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Wednesday 14th of June 2006
Barbara (email: barbaratobin<at>btinternet.com)
Woodbridge Connection: Mother was born in Woodbridge
Now located: Northamptonshire
Message: My Mother was born in Rose Cottage, Sun Lane, Woodbridge in 1904.
When I visited Woodbridge last year I found Sun Lane but could not find the cottage.
Can anybody tell me if it is still there or if not where it was.

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Wednesday 07th of June 2006
Luis , Emma & little Antonio (email: lythgoe<at>ya.com)
Woodbridge Connection: Lived in Brook Street for five years
Now located: Zaragoza, Spain
Message: Lovely place, lovely street, lovely people. Miss Woodbridge so much. Regards from Spain

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Wednesday 07th of June 2006
Daphne Lang Welton (email: benefitbkr<at>AOL.COM)

Woodbridge Connection:
I have a book showing my relative, Isaac Johnson, of Woodbridge in 1754. He was a surveyor, artist, and map designer. It has a pedigree that goes to 1960. I also have a relative, William Welton, who was my father's uncle and was a photographer in Woodbridge back in the 20's.
My father was born in Woodbridge in 1895 and died in Ipswich in 1980. I also have relatives in Woodbridge with my mother's single name of Pemberton. So, Johnson, Welton and Pemberton are all names associated with Woodbridge. I also married a American stationed at Bentwaters in 1952 and now live in California.

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From: Richard Ife r.ife<at>btinternet.com
Sent: Tuesday, May 30, 2006 12:01 PM
Subject: Castle brewery, Woodbridge
Name: Richard Ife
Message:
Hello friends, my name is Richard and I live in Victoria Rd, in Woodbridge...and I have seen the Castle Brewery photo and I'am not sure where it was located before being demolished, I have checked the end of Ship meadow (just in front of st Johns church)where st Marys church can be seen in the background but am unsure that this is actually where it was. thanks for any info you can give me. also, Doe's any-one have old pictures of Victoria rd?
would like to hear from anyone! thanks...

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Sent: Monday, April 24, 2006 5:20 AM
Subject: Maurice and laura sketchley
From: waterboy55<at>sbcglobal.net
Name: John Fyfe
Message:
I am trying to locate a Maurice and Laura Sketchley, cousins , whos last known address was 1 Coldfair Close, Knodishall, Saxmundham, England.

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Saturday 22nd of April 2006
Jane Marsh (email: jmmorris1<at>btopenworld.com)

Woodbridge Connection:
My grandmother was born in Woodbridge in June 1897 - interesting for me because as she left my mother and her siblings when they were all under the age of five, and my only knowledge of her was her maiden name, fascinating to find where she was born and lived.
Now located: 25 Campion Drive, Deeping St. James, Lincs PE6 8TB
Message:I have recently delved into my family tree and find that my grandmother was born in Woodbridge. Her name was Hilda Beatrice Giles. Her father George Giles ran, what was, the Sun Hotel in Thoroughfare early part of the last century. Especially exciting for us to make this discovery as my grandmother, for reasons best known to herself, left her four children when they were all under six years of age, and all we knew of her was her maiden name. she never met her children again. My mother is thrilled to discover that she has cousins still around (she is 83 and her cousins 82 and 81!!). If anyone remembers anyone from the family I would be thrilled to hear from you. Many thanks and God Bless You.

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Thursday 20th of April 2006
Subject: Woodbridge
From: BPear26848<at>aol.com
Name: Bryan Pearson
Message: I have many happy memories of sailing on the river Deben on Atalanta, a very old wooden boat owned by George Arnott of the estate agent Arnott family. He was quite old then, and must have died many years ago. We used to sail over to Holland just after the way (late 40s) and bring back cigars, butter and meat which were plentiful over there while we were still heavily rationed.
Used to anchor at Ramsholt and enjoy rum drinks with Mrs Nunn at the Ramsholt Arms too. Now living in Hawaii ehere the sailing is marvellous but, not having a boat, I am content to just watch!

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Thursday 20th of April 2006
Gareth Turner (email: garethchristine<at>aol.com)
Woodbridge Connection: My family lived at Ramsholt near Woodbridge
Now located: Scotland
Message: I am looking for anyone in the woodbidge, shottisham area with a surname of Backhouse. Its possible we are related and an I am keen to trace family history surname Backhouse, Cook. My Grandmother was born in Hill House Ramsholt to Charlotte Cook (Maiden name Backhouse) She married William Cook and had 13 children. My Great Uncle left Hill House in 1961 when we died aged 81 years.

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Tuesday 18th of April 2006
Philip Gough (email: philgough1<at>btinternet.com)
Woodbridge Connection: My Grandfather Felix Gough was born in Doric Place
Now located: 13 Connaught Rd Aldershot, Hants GU124RN
Message: My Great Grandfather, George Gough, Was a lawyer in Woodbridge, and was a founding member of the Seckford Reading Room, Now known as the SeckfordFoundation, in Seckford Street.
Do you have any information on the foundation, and any contact no's ?
Thank you .

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Monday 17th of April 2006
Paul Woodruffe paulwoodruffe<at>xtra.co.nz
My father was born in woodbridge
Now located:new zealand
Message: I visited Woodbridge in 2005 for the first time in 40 years. It is slightly sad that after so many generations there is only one relative left there. But I will come back soon and visit this wonderfull place, And hope they still serve green king ale!

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Saturday 15th of April 2006
mirjam_gys<at>hotmail.com a camp
Now located: Belgium
Message: I wil spend 2 weeks in woodbridge with the organisation Roeland.

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Thursday 06th of April 2006
valmay lewis
vle05552<at>bigpond.net.au
nee Tilling my father's family lived in woodbridge Now Sydney, NSW Australia
Message:
My grandparents lived at 12 Melton Hill Road Woodbridge Suffolk they passed away in the 1970's anything on the Tilling family would be appreciated

Thursday 02/23/2006 4:29:29pm
Name: Carole Moseley
Email: carole.moseley<at>btinternet.com
Town:
Message: Would be interested in hearing from anyone who knows anything about my ancestors Anna Manthorp born 1859 and George Manthorp born 1832 innkeeper of the Queens Head, in Seckford Street.

Saturday 02/18/2006 2:41:03am
Name: Judy Soanes Simmons
Email: ging0317<at>wf.quik.com
Town: Wichita Falls, Texas, USA
Message: Born and raised in Norfolk/Suffolk moving to Ipswich in 1947; married 11/1958, emigrated to present location in 1960; have one sister living in Waldringfield, Nr. Woodbridge; another sister living in Ipswich, Suffolk; other family members in area.

Thursday 02/09/2006 11:21:35pm
Name: Victor Rouse
Email: bvrouse<at>shaw.ca
Town: Victoria, Canada
Message: My father was born in Ipswich in 1907. However, we have photos of his parents and older brother who apparently lived on Seckford Street in Woodbridge at the turn of the century.
My grandfather's name was Sidney Rouse and his father's name was Ebenezer.
My grandmother's maiden name was Vine (Ethel) and her, I believe, adopted parents ran a pub in this same area with a horse mentioned in the name of the pub.
We hope to go to this area sometime in the near future and follow up the above.
Thanks for your web site.
Vic Rouse

Thursday 02/09/2006 1:27:51am
Name: Barry Bertocki
Email: bgbert<at>verizon.net
Town: New Kensington, PA USA
Message: Born in Ipswich to GI father and Woodbridge mother. I was stationed at RAF Chicksands (Beds) in 70's. Visited Woodbridge in 1995. Had a wonderful time with my Aunt & Uncle, Max and Jean Creasey.

Monday 01/23/2006 5:12:39am
Name: Venetia Kathleen Harrington
Email: lonsdale1<at>dodo.com.au
Town: Terrigal 2260 New South Wales AUSTRALIA
Message: We spent 3 lovely days staying in Woodbridge, we had our evening meal at the Kings Head Pub. Woodbridge is just the way I expected an English village to be, just lovely with its winding streets & beautiful Flowers & the Tide Mill, which I have a very old painting of on my Bedroom wall, this belonged to my late Husband's Mother, & very friendly people.
I will be back, I hope, all being well.
Regards Venetia Harrington

Tuesday 01/03/2006 6:07:02am
Name: Valmay Lewis ( nee Tilling)
Email: valmay.lewis<at>dodo.net.au
Town: Ambarvale NSW Australia
Message: My father was born in Woodbridge and I'am very interested in its history my Grandparents lived in Melton Hill Woodbridge.

Tuesday 12/27/2005 8:58:52pm
Name: Scot Raymond Maxwell
Email: maxwell7<at>msn.com
Town: Des Moines, Iowa, USA
Message: You have quite the website!! Someday when I become rich... ha... I hope to see it for myself. I was born there in the 81st tactical hospital in May of 1963, somewhere in the area...? I have part of a copied birth certificate and would like to get a certified copy of the original but can't seem to find a way... If someone reads this and feels pity on me, and knows how to achieve this, please please please let me know. If by some greater miracle you knew a staff seargent Raymond Maxwell and his wife Wanda Sue, by all means, please let me know. Thank you and may God Bless you!

Friday 29th of December 2006
Makayla (email: makaylap--at--hotmail.com)
Woodbridge Connection: Bentwaters RAF
Message: Looking for friends of my mom, Shirley DesJardins, who was at Benwaters from 1963-1965. She was married to Larry DesJardins and lived in Ipswich. Would like to hear from any of her friends from that time.

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Friday 22nd of December 2006
Felix E. Massaia (email: femassaia--at--comcast.net)
Woodbridge Connection: I was part of the 116th Fighter Squadron, USAF at Shepherds Grove (RAF Station, Stanton 1951-52. My family lived on station and in our free time we drove over much of the southeast UK in a 1952 Stdebaker. We have fond memobies of out stay there.
I retired from the the USAF during the Vietnam war, and went onto retire as A Foensic Clinical Psychologist after 20 years with the Waghington State Department of Corrections.
F. E. "Skip" Massaia
Now located: Olympia, Washington, USA

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Subject: Friendship Baptist Church
From: hudsonpn--at--cox.net
Name: Phyllis Hudson
Message:
My husband was was stationed at RAF Bentwaters/Woodbridge,he is Maj. Gerald R. Hudson, Ret., otherwise known as Jerry Hudson. He was in the Communication Squadron, stationed at the twin bases until they closed.
During the three years we were there, we were members of the almost totally American, Friendship Baptist Church, located behind the mental hospital in Melton. When we all moved away, the church closed. So, for all the former members, can you show pictures of what the church and surrounding area look like today. Also, I would like to know what is planned for the church and Sunday School Building.
Thanks, Phyllis Hudson

[I'm working on it - Linn Barringer]

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Tuesday 26th of September 2006
Yvonne Hernandez (email: gingerbreadfam@comcast.net)

Woodbridge Connection: I used to live in the big red house across the street from the Green Man Pub in Tunstall in 1991.

Now located: I now live in Sanger, California, USA

Message: I would like to see some more pictures of the big red house across the street from the Green Man Pub in Tunstall. I know the house has a lot of history to it. I now have three sons and they are interested in seeing the house I used to live in.

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Friday 22nd of September 2006
Ronald Schmeling (email: rrschmeling-at-lycos.com)

Woodbridge Connection: First AF assignment 81st Supply SQ EMO at RAF Bentwaters Aug 75 thru Aug 77 and bartended at Phantom Club.

Now located: Pewaukee Wisconsin

Message: Great first assignment - loved USAFE football, never missed a game - Mexican Club made the best burritos at the games. Played darts every Friday afternoon in the shop after waxing floors with shop - Sgt Flannigan, Gerald N. Clancy III, SSgt Joe Morgan.

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Friday 22nd of September 2006
Ronald Schmeling (email: rrschmeling-at-lycos.com)

Woodbridge Connection: First AF assignment 81st Supply SQ EMO at RAF Bentwaters Aug 75 thru Aug 77 and bartended at Phantom Club.

Now located: Pewaukee Wisconsin

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Saturday 16th of September 2006
John Dowd (email: John_D8<at>verizon.net)
Woodbridge Connection: 7519th Communications Squadron - Comm Ops
Now located: Location Tampa, Fl
Message:
Was at Woodbridge and Bentwaters 1959 thru 1963. Looking for John Montgomery/Teletype Maintenance - Was also station at RAF Chicksands 1973-1976.

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Friday, September 15, 2006
Subject: Was once Stationed at Bentwaters/WB
From: mainecraig2004<at>msn.com
Name: Craig Brewster
Message:
Like to hear from locals who might like to write, who might have been around in 1970s. Also retired USAF local Brits.

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Tuesday 18th of April 2006
Allan Davidson (email: USAFMSC<at>att.net)
[email failing when last checked, February 2008 - Website Admin]
Woodbridge Connection: Served at RAF Woodbridge from August 1954 to June 1956 as a Control Tower Operator, now called Air Traffic Controllers. Since my records showed that I knew how to "type" (no computers in those days) I was also assigned as a Clerk Typist, believe it or not. In those days commanders and first sergeants could pretty much get away with anything!!
Now located: Rockledge, FL
Message:
This was my first and only overseas assignment on my first enlistment. I have only good memories of my tour and met many wonderful people both on and off base. I was asssigned to the 1264-1 AACS Detachment. Our squadron was at RAF Bentwaters. Even though things were pretty much "bare base" compared to what the troops have today I really did have a good tour. I kept in touch with a few people when I came back to the states but have been out of touch with anyone for years. I would like to hear from anyone who has served there.

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Friday 14th of April 2006
John Dowd jdowd8<at>tampabay.rr.com 1959 thru 1963
Now Florida
Message:
Was stationed at Woodbridge and bentwaters from1959 thru 1963. very happily married to an Ipswich Lady for the past 43 years was with the 705th comm gp, 603rd comm gp, 7519thcomm gp

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Friday 14th of April 2006
Bob Snyder bobsnyder<at>cfl.rr.com 81st SPS
Now Kissimmee, Florida
Message:
Loved living in Woodbrige,Felixstowe and even Ipswich. Looking for friends from the 70's who where stationed with me.

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From: jerry harrington - radar<at>metrocast.net]
Sent: Wednesday, April 12, 2006 12:56 AM
Subject: My association with Woodbridge
My association with Woodbridge in the 70's included such stalwart citizens as Dr Claude Imrie, Mr. Charles Doy ( I think he was the Postmaster), Carl Giles. The fine folks I met in my time there due to the good fortune of being a member of the American Air Force. There was electric commotion about in the 70's and the place to be was the Bell or the Bull... no TV, no music machines, just cerebral discourse to keep the patrons interested. At one time within the Bell and Steelyard I shared philosophies with members of the UDL, IRA, SAS and of course I was "the yank in the corner". I met and shared a pint with gentlemen that sent your Spits up against the German, one John Conley (sp) an English teacher and a chap that was named Charles that owned a moving company. My extreme fortune to have known these gentlemen allowed me to have a rich and enlightening visit over the 3 years in Woodbridge. Here is a picture of the cartoon given to me by Giles. I miss England. I will return.

Carton by Giles The Story of the “Giles” Cartoon
About mid January 1976, after work, I went to a pub in Woodbridge, Suffolk to meet some friends and chat. While the evening wore on a patron at the bar bumped into me and accidentally spilt a drink. He apologized, exchanged some pleasantries and offered to buy me a drink to replace the one he toppled. After refusing and brushing it off, a moment or two later a drink appeared in front of me and Rosemary Wood, the pub owner mentioned that it was from “Giles over there” and I should accept. I did and thank him again for the kindness. At this time I did not know who “Giles” was and we along with the other people I had met continued our talks. Some of our talks touched on Giles’ fondness of the Yanks for the kindness shown in the war years and some of our conversations touched on the present "Concorde" talks that were at a stall in the states. From time to time into the following days I would see him at the pub (The Bell & Steelyard) in Woodbridge and we would chat. He was a nice, friendly gentleman and our talks ranged from politics to infinity and covered many subjects. In March or April of 1976, as I entered the pub, the owner, Rosemary called me over to the side of the bar and showed me a package that arrived a few days before, addressed to me in care of the pub. I opened the package and saw the cartoon of the January 19, 1976 edition that appeared in the Express. It appeared to be the original said Rosemary, and it was signed at the bottom, “Best wishes, Giles”. Mrs. Woods (Rosemary) told me that he does not part with the originals lightly, and that I must be high on his list to get such an unsolicited gift out of the blue. I acknowledged the gift and our lives went on from there, I am fortunate to have had the opportunity to meet him.
Jerry Harrington

Note: The cartoon caption reads "Anyone living in this bit of rural England will deeply sympathise with New Yorkers over Concorde."