Nostalgia: Southend Airport in the 1970s

[Fat Albert]

For those of you that used to relish having a bottle of coke and a packet of Smitsh Crisps on the observation deck at Southend in the '70s, this is for you!

http://www.britishpathe.com/video/air-ferries/quer...

I think I now know where the inspiration for my Forum name comes from, the carvair featured is called Fat Albert!

Why would anyone want to take that (aptly registered) 'eap of a Capri across by air i will never know!

[52classic]

Fabulous clip. Reminds me of how Cardiff Rhoose looked in the same era. I think we're seeing the unedited rushes for some sort of promotional film.

Do I remember rightly that Freddie Laker and Aviation Traders were responsible for Carvair?

[Eric Mc]

Correct.

[Egbert Nobacon]

Fat Albert said:

For those of you that used to relish having a bottle of coke and a packet of Smitsh Crisps on the observation deck at Southend in the '70s, this is for you!

http://www.britishpathe.com/video/air-ferries/quer...

I think I now know where the inspiration for my Forum name comes from, the carvair featured is called Fat Albert!

Why would anyone want to take that (aptly registered) 'eap of a Capri across by air i will never know!

That bought back memories - Flying out of Southend in the early 70's on those Carvairs. All I can remember is being fascinated by the loading of the cars and then the incredible amount of rattling on take off ....

[Fat Albert]

Some of the other clips on there are pure gold as well, really good to see a Channel Airways Dak inside and out in the 'Honeymooners' clip