Leicestershire Aeroclub Past & Present

Even before this, in 1895 a passenger balloon had flown at Abbey Park, there is a photograph of it supposedly taking off.

The Leicester Mercury for May 9th 1914, records how a Mr. Hucks, "the far famed aviator" attracted a large crowd to the Leicester Aerodrome at Old Aylestone "to perform thrilling feats, with banks and loops and hair raising dives with the engine stopped!"

In 1916 the Leicester Aero Club together with the Imperial Air Command presented a BE 12 aircraft called "The City of Leicester" to the "Aircraft for the Dominions" initiative, this aircraft was handed over in Western Park in front of a large crowd, and was sent to Canada.

The L.A.C. lapsed during the First World War, with many of its members gaining their "wings" in the Royal Flying Corps. The R.F.C. becoming the Royal Air Force in 1918.

By 1925 the Air Ministry was in being, and was actively encouraging the formation of light aviation clubs, even offering two free aeroplanes and subsidised flying lessons.

Then, in the summer of 1927 a big Air Pageant was held in Birmingham with 100,000 spectators; and they hosted the first Kings Cup Air Race in 1928. The Royal family were keen aviators and often flew to Birmingham. Big efforts were made by the Leicester Mercury and the Chamber of Commerce (whose secretary Harry Purt was very enthusiastic about flying), formed an Aviation Committee with Harry Purt as secretary also. To help re-establish the moribund Leicester Aero Club the Air Correspondent of the Leicester Mercury called upon Mr. Roy Winn, an ex World War one pilot and local restauranteur to enlist his help in re-forming the Club.

By November 1928 Roy Winn, Commander Hedley-Briggs and Harry Purt were discussing a proposed site for an aerodrome at Beaumomt Leys, which already had Air Ministry approval, and the local brewer, and Member of Parliament for Melton Mowbray, Mr. Lindsay Everard, had accepted the Presidency of the Club. Also on the newly formed Committee were Mr. Disney Barlow, Mr. N. Mawle, Mr. Lorrimer, and Mr. Browett, all local businessmen. Harry Purt became the secretary of the Club with Roy Winn as the Chairman.