Why history is important.
I live in super insignificant, north Wales. The area I live in was once great, world leading. We produced steel, we had a docks, we had an RAF base, we had an aircraft factory that built the Lancaster bomber.
All we have now is grade 2 listed hangers that can’t be torn down and a factory that builds the wings for the Airbus A380. We have gone from being a hive of ships, trains, plans and production to the only unique thing about us is the Beluga, the world’s largest plane, regularly in our skies, collecting and delivering wings to France. The docks are silted up and the airforce base is in the process of being made into houses and a retail park.
However, today the Lancaster bomber has come home. The Royal Airforces Battle of Britain flight team is staying overnight at the local airfield attached to Airbus.
And in the picture you can see the tiny Lancaster facing the gigantic Beluga. To think the Lancaster effective helped Britain and Europe win the war. And compare it what we have built now to transport wings for commercial planes. That is what 75 years of progress looks like.
That is the history of my area facing its present. Where we were and where we are now. Important not to forget the steps along the way.
Also very surreal to see spitfires flying around today alongside planes coming into Liverpool and Manchester, large enough you can make out their colour schemes. It’s like seeing a scooter next to a transit van. 😂
(And yes the beluga has a face. Yes it flys low enough you can see it 😂)
