Expecting to fly?
Well not really, the first time I ever visited Ringway was by bike, aged eleven cycling from Ashton-under-Lyne along leafy Cheshire lanes for what seemed like an age. A gang of Lancashire brigands arriving in the departure lounge, with bike pumps and duffle bags.
In the Sixties, when flying was infrequent, the airport was seen as sleek, new, glamorous and exciting – quiet literally at the cutting edge of the Jet Age.
Modern.
You were or are there, destination somewhere else, far more exotic than suburban Wilmslow.
Manchester Ringway Airport started construction on 28th November 1935 and opened partly in June 1937 and completely on 25th June 1938, in Ringway parish north of Wilmslow. In World War II, it was the location of RAF Ringway, and was important in the production and repair of military aircraft and training parachutists.
After World War II, it gradually expanded to its present size, including massive expansion of aprons, runways and car parking areas. Among the first expansions was car parking and service buildings north of Yewtree Lane.
From 1958 to late 1962, Terminal One was built: this was the first of the airport’s modern large terminals and the first major public building north of Yewtree Lane.
You were or are there, so why not tell the world – with a postcard.
Wish you were here?
Let’s go there now, back in time, through the most magical Manchester Image Archive.
modernmooch.com 
Oh isn’t it wonderful! I used to love going to terminal 1 as a kid and I’m sure the Elizabeth Frink statue was outside as you walked in. I love the chandeliers. They make me tearful.
LikeLiked by 1 person
One of the chandeliers is now in St Helens at the glass museum – unsure about the Frink!
LikeLike
I had an aunt and uncle in Sale, and when we used to visit uncle used to sometimes take us out for the afternoon to the airport. I was about 9 or 10, so it will have been the late 60s. I thought it was a very posh sort of place to go for the afternoon.
LikeLike