Military helicopters land at Altcar camp

MORE THAN 200 Hightown residents braved the bitterly cold winter weather last Monday night (November 30) to attended a special invitation to Altcar Training Camp to view a host of military helicopters.

Colonel Mark Underhill, Chief Executive of North West Reserves and Cadets Association and Colonel Gordon Black, the Camp Commandant, welcomed the residents to the camp following previous successful visits, which was part of the camps 155 year anniversary celebrations. Royal Navy Pilots and their crews showed the visitors around the camp, while answering any questions about any of the helicopters that were on show.

During the latest visit, a Lynx, Sea Kings and the mighty Merlins helicopters descended on Altcar. The helicopters were at Altcar Training Camp as part of a ‘search and rescue' exercise. On one of the days, the local Tri Service badge Cadets, Navy, Army and Air Cadets, were invited to a lecture on the helicopters then a few had the chance to experience of flying around the area in the Merlin. Colonel Gordon Black said: “It was brilliant to welcome so many Hightown residents to the camp, as our neighbours we felt this would be a fitting opportunity to show them what we do at Altcar Training Camp. ”The good will between the pulic and the crews has been brilliant and the helicopter pilots and their ground crew express their appreciation to the local residents for their understanding regarding their necessary training role and any noise involved. “Everyone had a great time looking at the helicopters and speaking to the pilots and crews. ”This was the third time we have invited the residents of Hightown to Altcar, and after such successful previous visits, we were more than happy to welcome them again. “We are now looking forward to arranging future visits.”

It was quite dark when we arrived so we have had to lighten the photos which is why they are a little bitty. We do apologise for that - Formby Bubble