Incidents at Harrogate
Incidents at Harrogate is an article published in The Leeds Mercury on 24 july 1911.
Incidents at Harrogate
The aerodrome on the Stray has been the centre of attraction in Harrogate during the week-end. Here on Saturday came His Highness the Maharaja of Patiala and members of his suite, and the dusky visitors showed some curiosity in a towering wooden erection carrying the three acetylene lights at the top, which will guide straying aviators who may arrive after dark to-night.
Another distinguished visitor to the aviation ground was Sir A. Conan Doyle.
Certain signs in white on the green turf in the centre of the aerodrome follow a design recognised by airmen, and indicate the area in which the competitors must alight. This is three hundred square yards, and if the airmen fail to alight inside they must ascend and try again.
The Grand Duke George and the Grand Duchess Michealovitch of Russia are staying, with the two little Princesses, practically opposite the aerodrome, and the children from the open windows were interested spectators of the work going on in the aerodrome.
During Saturday afternoon Major Atcherley, Chief of the West Riding Police, visited the ground, and declined to pass the roping off until it had been strengthened and an extra stake had to be driven in between every pair of stakes the whole way round.
In order to give the flying from Hendon to Harrogate this morning every appearance of a spirited race, a system of telegrams have been arranged by means of which the hour of starting from Hendon of each competitor will be posted up at two points on the outskirts of the aerodrome. In this way the public will be able to time the winners of the prizes given by the Harrogate Chamber of ‘Trades and Mr. J. R. Ogden.
Under favourable conditions the first aviator will reach Harrogate about seven o'clock, and the arrival of competitors will continue at intervals throughout the day. Accommodation has been provided for those who do not get away from the aerodrome the same night.
