Barbara Cannon’s memories took flight at a recent visit to Old Warden Aerodrome when she had a special reunion with one of the planes she used to pilot.
The intrepid flyer, who now lives at Cambridge Grove Care Home, in Fulbourn, was thrilled to see the 60-year-old Piper Cherokee 180C aeroplane during a visit to the airfield in Shuttleworth.
Wellbeing Coach Andrea Murphy had heard that the plane, nicknamed ‘Dear old Whiskey X-ray’ due to its G-ASWX registration, was still flying and would be displayed as part of the historical aircraft collection.
So, she arranged a trip to Shuttleworth and invited Barbara, 94, and her daughter Jane to visit and take a trip down memory lane together.
Jane said: “It was amazing that Andrea had planned this outing to Shuttleworth with Mum in mind. It was a fabulous day with lots of lovely new memories made.”
During her time as a pilot in the 1960s and 70s, Barbara regularly flew out of Stapleford and Hurn airports on the Piper Cherokee.
She still keeps a cherished photo of herself with Jane and her son Nigel posing with the plane from the 1960s.
Tim, one of the members of the consortium who own the plane, was delighted to facilitate a reunion between Barbara and her former craft, parking the plane near the visitors’ centre so Barbara could go ‘airside’ during her visit.
Andrea said: “Tim kindly helped us create a very special moment for Barbara, who was full of smiles when she saw the Piper Cherokee.
“She said it was painted slightly differently but still instantly recognisable. It was magical to see her face light up and to help her and Jane create such a moving memory together.
“The highlight of Barbara’s day is when planes fly overhead at Cambridge Grove, and she always looks to the sky.
“Thanks to Tim and everyone at the Shuttleworth Collection for making this visit such a success.”
