MARY ELLIS – ‘ Spitfire Girl ‘ – The Last Air Transport Auxiliary Spitfire Ferry Pilot talks to Tony Knight

Posted on February 13, 2018 by Tony Knight

Sad to report that I have learned that Mary passed away on Tuesday 24th July 2018. Mary was a kindly, determined and remarkable English lady, who achieved so much during the war in an unfussy way, along with her colleagues and after it on the Isle of Wight. Her memory and story will live on and the part she played in Hampshire’s wartime efforts. Runge and I treasure our meeting with Mary last August. She was an inspiration, still driving her car at almost 101 years of age. HAPPY LANDINGS Mary.

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Hampshire’s own former Air Transport Auxiliary( ATA ) ferry pilot, Mary Ellis gave a rare recorded interview to Tony Knight in August 2017, about her fascinating career delivering front line fighter planes in World War 2.

Pride of Hampshire – MARY ELLIS

Following the publication of her life story ‘ A Spitfire Girl ‘ told to author Melody Foreman ( Frontline Books 1996 ), Mary Ellis agreed to talk to me about her truly remarkable life delivering aircraft from the factories to operational airfields around the UK.

One of about 160 women who answered the call for pilots to deliver war-time aircraft urgently required by the RAF. Mary, a sprightly centenarian is still driving her car locally. She told me about her experiences : learning to fly; joining the ATA; flying 400 types of aircraft ranging from DH Tiger Moth, Gloster Gladiator, Fairey Swordfish, Hawker Hurricane, four engine Wellington bombers, to the iconic Vickers Supermarine Spitfire. Mary was one of the first women to fly a Gloster Meteor jet and has had a long and distinguished career. She’s also great fun to meet, with a cheery smile and a sharp memory for detail and her past experiences..

Mary celebrating her 100th birthday in a beloved Spitfire ( rear bubble )

Not content to have achieved so much, Mary was also a rally driver, managed a commercial airfield and ran her own fashion boutique. Clearly determined, capable and a high achiever in all she undertakes, Mary is still, at 101, a truly a remarkable, engaging and elegant woman.

Mary Ellis at home. Her centenary birthday card from Her Majesty The Queen displayed behind her.

Mary has recently been awarded the

‘ Freedom ‘ of the Isle of Wight for her

distinguished service to the country

in World War 2.

Mary’s story as told to Melody Foreman, in ” A Spitfire Girl ” was published in 2016 by Front Line Books and is a wonderfully detailed and engaging read.

LISTEN to Mary’s exclusive interview below : ( Copyright Tony Knight ).

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SoundWrite productions 2017 copyright material

£10 JANE AUSTEN BANKNOTE LAUNCHED AT WINCHESTER CATHEDRAL

Posted on August 15, 2017 by Tony Knight

The Jane Austen £10 Banknote un circulation from 14th September 2017

Chief Cashier of the Bank of England, Victoria Cleland outside Winchester Cathedral.

The distinctive Thetis Blacker banners added colour and spectacle to the longest nave in a European cathedral, as 500 members of the public assembled for the launch of a new £10 denomination banknote, featuring the portrait of local authoress Jane Austen.

Unveiled on the 200th anniversary of Jane Austen’s death and just feet away from where her remains lie, Governor of the Bank of England, Mark Carney revealed the new £10 banknote with Janes’ portrait, weeks before it enters circulation on 14th September 2017.

170718 0596 JANE AUSTEN £10 NOTE LAUNCH WINCHESTER CATHEDRAL copy

Bank of England Governor, Mark Carney enters the Cathedral with Dr. Gillian Dow of the University of Southampton ( left ) and Catherine Ogle, Dean of Winchester.

Governor of the Bank of England, Mark Crney

Governor of the Bank of England, Mark Carney

Jane's young lady companions sra ehown the new banknote by Mark Carney.

Jane’s young lady companions are shown the new banknote by Mark Carney after the ceremony in the Cathedral.

The event attracted national and local television coverage. BBC Tv Steve Humphries with Mark Carney outside Winchester Cathedral.

170718 0804 LAUNCH OF THE NEW JANE AUSTEN £10 NOTE copy

Fiona Bruce reports the launch on the Six ‘o Clock News on BBC Television.

The new £10 banknote

Words and photographs : Tony Knight photography & MEDIA

HELLO, IS THIS PLANET EARTH ? Novium Museum, Chichester – ( Talks at Six )

Posted on August 15, 2017 by Tony Knight

When I visited the Novium Museum in Chichester in the south of England in late March 2017, I was delighted and intrigued at the prospect of a talk to be held there in July. Entitled ” AN EXTRAORDINARY JOURNEY ” the speaker was not listed. Could it be Chichester’s most celebrated son, Astronaut TIM PEAKE ?, So I booked…. and waited.

Aeronautical Engineer Space Educator JOH CHINNER prepares for his talk.

Aeronautical Engineer Space Educator JOHN CHINNER prepares for his talk.

Came the day and it nearly was the man himself, but commitments in Europe prevented it, but fear not …… the speaker was an enthusiastic, talented and innovative colleague of Tim’s. Himself an Aerospace Engineer and Space Educator, John Chinner is compulsive listening and totally involved with the development, implementation and publicity of the technical things we just wonder about. Ever since the first Sputnik circled the earth on that Sunday morning back in 1957, we have gazed at the skies at the prospect of a Space Station in orbit around the globe. Tim Peake was born 15 years after that momentous Sputnik’s first stride into space. . It took another 43 years until the first British European Space Agency astronaut spent six months in space in the long awaited International Space Station and created a sensation with his easy going manner and beautiful photographs.Tim’s book ” Hello, is this Planet Earth? “ ( published by Century in 2016 ) is packed with stunning photographs of the world unknown until Christmas 1968, when Apollo 8 brought back the first photographs of ” ….the Good Earth, ” as Jim Lovell called it. (Helen Sharman became the first British astronaut in 1991, when she joined the Russian MIR space station.)

Chichester’s own – Astronaut Tim Peake

John outlined the current work of the space industry and an inside view on Tim Peake’s 6 months in space, including some of the dramatic events, when things go wrong. In one incident the water cooling system leaked into the space helmet filling it up with water, causing the space walk to be quickly curtailed.

Looking towards the mission to Mars in 2020, John is working on a ‘ Mars Rover ‘ craft, similar to the Lunar Rover used by the NASA Apollo Moon landing of the 1960’s and 70’s. John proudly displayed his model of the rover, which he also takes to his talks in schools.

Model of the Mars Rover explorer to deployed on the planet’s surface.

After the talk John explained his enthusiasm for his work to me and in particular, his outreach work. Always recruiting staff for the specialised space programmes, he would be delighted if he were able to recruit from qualified candidates, who had been inspired from his work with schools.

The Exhibition is packed with interest and information about Tim’s work on the International Space Station.

Visitor to the exhibition on the top floor of The Nuvio Museum

Visitor to the exhibition on the top floor of The Novium Museum, Chichester.

The Novium Museum is well worth a visit and easy to find.

The Tim Peake – An Extraordinary Journey runs at the Novium Museum, Chichester ( just to the north of Chichester Cathedral in Tower Street ) until December 2017. NB : Call 01243 – 775888 before your visit, as the exhibition may be closed on Tuesday and Thursdays for learning sessions or some other times.

HOT NEWS – ‘ Astronauts : Have You Got What It Takes ? ‘ BBC 2 from Sunday 20 August 2017. Looks at the exceptional qualities and skills required to become a member of any team living and working in the confines of a space craft, how to cope in life-threatening crisis and how to plan and achieve the task in hand.

Words and photographs : Tony Knight photography & MEDIA 01962 – 852124 comarkuk@ntlworld.com

WINCHESTER HAT FAIR MAGIC ! Fun for all the family. PICTURE REPORT

Posted on July 5, 2017 by Tony Knight

Over the last 43 years the Winchester Hat Fair has transformed from a small locally known event into an International festival, with artists from around the globe.

Crowds join in the fun outside the west front of Winchester Cathedral

The Winchester Hat Fair takes place at every year in mid summer in the centre of England’s ancient capital city. Jugglers, acrobats, the exotic and the bizarre all come together to entertain crowds for the UK’s longest running street entertainment event.

The streets of Winchester and the Cathedral grounds come alive and the public are invited to participate. It’s the people’s theatre – dance, fire and fringe acts touring the city over three days.

Part of the Hat Fair programme

The Hat Fair encourages the public to try new activities – juggling, tightrope walking, stilt walking all testing dexterity and skill – a hit for parents and children alike. It’s also very entertaining to watch the concentration on the faces, of those determined to succeed.

First steps on a tight-right need a little encouragement.

Juggling, balance and plate spinning are popular challenges !

Concentration : Keen eye and hand co-ordination are necessary in plate spinning.

Sometimes the tongue aids concentration !

This street artist travelled from New Zealand to perform outside the Cathedral.

A packed High Street on Saturday afternoon.

A huge picnic with Hat Fair acts takes place on Orams Arbour which overlooks the city, just outside the Westgate. Traditionally hundreds of families congregate to celebrate the end of the Hat Fair and soon, it’s goodbye… see you next year… at the Winchester Hat Fair.

Words & pictures : Tony Knight photography & MEDIA

ROY LANCASTER, THE PLANTSMAN WIZARD ENTERTAINS AT HILLIERS NURSERY, WINCHESTER and proves that the answer lies in the soil

Posted on June 10, 2017 by Tony Knight

On top form, Roy Lancaster, entertains his public, producing plant specimens from his gander bag, like a wizard producing rabbits from a hat.

I recall a younger ROY LANCASTER leaving a County Council office in the early 1980’s, at the head of a small group of horticultural students. He was like a latter day Pied Piper, animatedly singing, ” we’re off to see the wizard……..” as they disappeared in line from the darkness of the building and out into the sunshine on the way to a mushroom identification trip in the New Forest. As always he had brought some happiness and light relief into an otherwise dully day of office routines!

Having just spent two years producing the entertaining ‘ My Life with Plants, ‘ Roy is still sharing his boundless enthusiasm with friends new and old, on a sold out tour of Hillier Garden Centres in the South during June.

Roy displays his book ‘ My Life with Plants. ‘ at Hillier’s Winchester Garden Centre.

Now approaching another big birthday, Roy may be taking life at a little more sedate pace these days, but he retains his celebrated enthusiasm, sense of fun and unassailable position as a celebrated plant hunter of our time. His name has been added to the great and the good – Hooker, David Douglas and Ernest Wilson amongst them, who were his boyhood idols. No longer able to undertake plant hunting expeditions to remote parts of the globe seeking exotic and beautiful new species, Roy Lancaster has spent a lifetime with plants.

Like the plants he loves, Roy Lancaster has his roots in the soil. He hails from Bolton Lancashire. Those fortunate enough to see him, will be well entertained with anecdotes, horticultural knowledge and advice – and his years of practical experience. True gardeners all, passing round the specimens and potted plants are a real talking point. It appears that as in the word’s of Arthur Fallowfield, Kenneth William’s character from the BBC 1960’s comedy programme, ‘ Round the Horn, ‘ the answer really does lie in the soil !

An opportunity to examine new plants and listen to Roy’s anecdotes is totally captivating.

One of Roy’s burning ambitions came true when he first arrived Hillier’s then headquarters here in Romsey Road, Winchester and met his hero, Harold Hillier, when he travelled from Cambridge for interview for a post with the plant nursery. He went on to become Curator of the world famous Hillier Arboretum, ( now the Sir Harold Hillier Gardens ), before appearing on BBC tv. Gardeners’ World and becoming a member of the Radio 4 Garden’s Question Time for many years.

Roy’s book, My Life with Plants is available at the talks and you can have a copy signed by the well known plant hunter, whose travels have taken him through the east including India, Nepal and China.

Details : www.hillier.co.uk

Contact : comarkuk@ntlworld.com

SIR HAROLD HILLIER GARDENS, AMPFIELD, ROMSEY, HAMPSHIRE, ENGLAND IN MAY – A Garden for All Seasons & All Reasons !

Posted on May 31, 2017 by Tony Knight

Rhododendrons in the Garden

The Sir Harold Hillier Gardens at Ampfield near Romsey in southern Hampshire are 180 acres of sheer bliss. Effectively gardens for all seasons, they are visited for all reasons too. In my recent visit, at the end of May 2017, I encountered visitors of all ages. There is plenty of seating tucked away in quiet corners, just far away from each other, yet near enough for short walks.

One regular visitor whom I met in the late afternoon, was sitting under the trees near Jermyns House. He frequently spends a few quiet minutes there after a busy day, wrapped in the peace and quiet, before making his way home more relaxed. That’s real garden therapy and much as the late Sir Harold Hillier must have done in quiet moments over the years, surveying the work of his labours, as he added to his collection of plants and shrubs.

: The Gardens are well sign-posted and supplemented with
‘ current Interest ‘ signs

: Map of the gardens

The Gardens make an ideal venue for schools groups to learn about the countryside, flora and fauna – and for a picnic lunch.

: A picnic lunch on the lawns

The sandy soil of this part of Hampshire is ideal for a blaze of colour from the far slopes of the Himalayas – a splash of Asian magic, woven into the Garden’s ‘ green tunnels.’

Wherever you wander the landscape changes. An intriguing and eclectic collection of over 100 sculptures is in the Gardens from 13 May to 15 October this year. Many in the form of animals, birds and insects, they are sculpted from metal, ceramics, wood and various other mediums. For the 18th year, wherever you look; through the trees and bushes; around the lake; on the trees you come across diversity of shapes and sizes.

Wherever you walk, visitors are enjoying the spectacle, resting their legs or just having a quiet cup of tea.

: Golden moments : soaking up the peace, quiet of the gardens

Sir Harold Hillier.

https://hants.gov.uk/thingstodo/hilliergardens

SIR HAROLD HLLIER GARDENS & ARBORETUM – a garden for all seasons – SPRING

Posted on April 24, 2017 by Tony Knight

Getting out on a warm day in early March, shrug off the cold winter and re-awaken your spirit

The Sir Harold Hillier Gardens and Arboretum was founded in the early 1950’s by Harold Hillier to house his growing international collection of trees and shrubs. ” H.G. ” as he was affectionately known travelled widely in Asia on plant hunting expeditions, following in the footsteps of his predecessors, the illustrious 18th – 19th century Veitch family; the Lobb brothers and the Hooker family, amongst them.

I remember researching parish church registers for the Romsey area in the 1970’s and coming across entries for Hilliers with biblical names. They worked on the land too. Indeed, I have an historical family connection with Hilliers Nurseries. My father worked at number one nursery in the 1950’s. My uncle – Walter Arthur Prior worked for Hilliers Nurseries at No 1 nursery in Winchester, rising from garden boy until he retired as Chief Propagator, and being awarded the Royal Horticultural Society’s Gold Medal for services to Horticulture.

Plants around the gardens are discretely labelled to aid identification.

The Sir Harold Hillier Gardens present a different aspect, whatever time of the year you visit. In the autumn and winter months, when the plants are resting, visitors are rewarded with a sense of stillness and the gardens take on a different mantle. Filigree patterns of tree branches, can be laced with frost glinting in the early morning sunshine as mist rises from the pond, lending a magical aspect to the area’s rising contours. Thoughts turn to visitor’s own gardens, planting tulips and daffodils and the prospects for the year ahead.

Wandering the paths is a delight, as with the lengthening days and rising temperatures, buds open, primroses lift their faces to follow the Sun round the horizon and Camellias, Magnolias and early Rhododendrons begin to add their vivid colours.

Over the years many distinguished visitors have also enjoyed the gardens. Her Majesty, the Queen opened the new visitor and educational facilities. I remember the beautiful afternoon on 9th May 1978, when Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth, Queen Mother officially handed over the Arboretum to the care of Hampshire County Council. During her visit, Her Majesty paused to admire the view towards Braishfield and met children from the village school. She then decided not to use the open vehicle to ride across the gardens, preferring to walk towards Jermyns House. after the presentation ceremony, to enjoy the delightful afternoon weather. An array of distinguished guests from civic life; the world of gardening attended and the curator Roy Lancaster was presented to the Queen Mother.

On trhe lawns close to Jermyns House, work goes on aroudn the year to tend the grounds.

Jermyns House was the home of Sir Harold and Lady Hillier from 1953.

During May and June the gardens are in full bloom, setting the borders and landscape ablaze with colour. I like to imagine what it must have been like to live in this beautiful re-creation of exotic eastern landscapes, as Sir Harold and Lady Hillier did, in a far off time when such beauty could only be seen abroad by the plant-hunters, who introduced these wonders of the world into the Hampshire countryside for us all to enjoy.

It is a haven of peace, beauty and a great place in which to admire the best of Hampshire’s landscape.

WEBSITE : https://www.hants.gov.uk/thingstodo/hilliergardens

Source : Tony Knight

SONGKRAN – THAI NEW YEAR 2017 WIMBLEDON -THE BUDDHAPADIPA TEMPLE CELEBRATIONS

Aside

Annual Thai New Year celebrations at the London Thai Temple, Wimbledon.

The Thai Temple celebrates the Thai New Year each April. The event is always crowded with people travelling from away as Wales. A programme of events usually includes Thai Dancing; Kick-boxing; Thai music; Miss Thailand contest.

Programmes fo the day’s events

There are also many stalls with Thai curiosities and authentic cuisine available and well patronised.

The event this year has added poignancy with many paying their own tribute to His Late Majesty, King Bhumibol Adulyadej, especially if they had not had the opportunity of doing so in the Grand Palace in Bangkok. This year enjoyed beautiful spring weather with masses of blossom, lending the celebrations a relaxed atmosphere.

The wonderful Thai Music Circle performed on stage as visitors picnicked in the beautiful sunshine.

Good weather gives an early opportunity to just sit in peaceful surroundings and enjoy a wonderful spring day.

Chanting

Photographs and word : Tony Knight photography & MEDIA

WHITCHURCH, THE LAW AND WATERSHIP DOWN. ( Former Master of the Rolls Lord Denning and author Richard Adams )

Posted on January 17, 2017 by Tony Knight

The Anglo-Saxon town of ‘ White Church ‘ is thought to have been occupied since the Iron Age. It appeared in the Domesday Book ( 1086 ) and established a market in 1241 and was granted a Royal Charter in 1285.

Known for it’s Silk Mill spinning silk, imported from the orient is still made into garments for the legal profession. Whitchurch took a stand in establishing the legal rights of the citizen to participate in orderly public demonstrations. When a group of 5,000 Salvationists and 12 Salvation Army bands assembled in the town, they faced prosecution, which led to laws granting public rights of peaceful assemblage. ( overturned in the 21st century )

Commemorating 1st July 1890

In the 20th/21st century, it has been home to two internationally celebrated residents.

A memorial to Lord Denning given by his American friends

The Law

The former Master of the Rolls, Lord Denning, lived at The Lawn. Lord Bingham said in tribute that he had been, ” the best known and best judge in our history. ” Born in 1899 above the drapers shop in Newbury Street, he later told me that he’d travelled on the footplate of the steam engine taking him to grammar school in Andover. He excelled at two careers, firstly teaching at Winchester College and then taking a second degree in a new discipline, jurisprudence. After an illustrious career, Lord Denning retired in his beloved hometown of Whitchurch.

A peaceful corner of All Hallow Church

Watership Down

After a successful career in the civil service, serendipity led Richard Adams to writing down the stories he told to his daughters Juliet and Rosamund at bed-times and on long car journeys. Produced in many editions around the world, the tales of Watership Down, just 6 miles to the north, reflected his love for the Berkshire Downs. ” I can’t remember ever having done anything – anything at all – more delightful than walking on the crest of the Downs, looking away to the purple, heat-rimmed edge of the horizon, ” he reminisced. It was a place of peace, solitude and reflection where as a young man he recalled : ” I used to go there to think out my thoughts. ”

Artist Aldo Gali’s collaboration for a 40th anniversary edition, produced some of the finest depictions of Mr. Adam’s sentiments and the beauty of Watership Down with a series of enchanting illustrations produced over three years. His precision and perceptive approach to his work gave life and authenticity to the author’s meticulous prose as together they matched each paragraph and description to the paintings.

Order of Service

Floral tribute for Richard Adams in All Hallows Church

I attended Mr. Adam’s funeral in All Hallows Church on a cold January morning and joined his neighbours and acquaintances gathered to pay our respects and listen to treasured memories of him in his parish church, with the Christmas crib in it’s place as it had been on Christmas Eve, when he passed away. Next day I returned to think my own thoughts about Watership Down and his passing, as many of his readers must also have been doing around the world. His legacy will long endure and we look forward to his stories soon to live again on television early this year.

Floral tribute for Richard Adams add colour on a cold January day.

THE CONJUROR ON THE KWAI REMEMBERS AT SHOREHAM VILLAGE AIRCRAFT MUSEUM

Posted on November 17, 2016 by Tony Knight

Guest of honour Fergus Anckron

Fergus Anckorn was the youngest member of the Magic
Circle at 18 years of age and 70 years later he is the Circle’s oldest member. Now a sprightly 98 year old, Fergus served in the Royal Artillery and is a veteran of the notorious Siam to Burma railway. His story is revealed in Peter Fyan’s book, ” ‘ Captivity, Slavery and Survival as a Far East POW – The Conjuror on the Kwai.’

Fergus Anckron marking the 2 minutes silence.

On remembrance Sunday 2016, he was welcomed as guest of honour to observe the two minutes silence at the Shoreham Village Aircraft Museum, in Kent.

A good gathering of visitors assembled for the museum’s last opening this year and were made very welcome by the volunteers. It was warm enough to sit in the garden, as two Spitfire aircraft from nearby Biggin Hill Airfield made several low passes over the village, marking the end of the silence. A cosy Tea Room sells homemade cakes and pastries and is decorated with interesting memorabilia.

The museum was founded by volunteers in 1978 and is dedicated to the airmen who fought in the skies above Southern England in World War II. The collection comprises documents, letters, photographs and artefacts from actual fighter aircraft. Its also possible to obtain signed memorabilia.

The occasion was made more special by being able to meet Fergus Anckron.

Fergus Anckron signed copies of his fascinating and moving story.

Fergus Anckron signs copies of his fascinating and moving story.

The Shoreham Aircraft Museum is open weekends and bank holidays from Easter to October. 10 am to 5.00pm at 13, High Street, Shoreham Village, Sevenoaks Kent. TN14 7TB. Entrance Fee £3. www.shoreham-aircraft-museum.co.uk

Shoreham Village is a delightful spot on the River Darent at the foot of the North Downs. My visit on 13 November 2016, was on a delightful, warm late autumn day, with the narrow lanes awash with cyclists. It is the quintessential English village with it’s fascinating aircraft museum, commemorating those who flew against the Luftwaffe in World War II. Shoreham has been dubbed ” the most bombed village in Britain, ” doubtless because of it’s proximity to RAF Biggin Hill airfield and the prominent white cross on the hill behind the village. clearly visible from the air.

Photos : Tony Knight Photography MEDIA comarkuk@ntlworld.com 01962 – 852124 Photos : Tony Knight Photography & MEDIA comarkuk@ntlworld.com

Sadly Fergus died on 18th March 2018. It was a pleasure and privilege to meet him on remembrance Sunday 2016. He was a true gentleman and a brave survivor of his time on the River Kwai in wartime Thailand.

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