1/2 scale replica of a Bleriot IX similar to the machine that M.Salmet used at the Berkshire Museum of AviationWoodley, Birkshire, UK — A replica of an historic plane soared into Woodley’s aviation museum, thanks to the work of skilful volunteers.
 
A half scale Blériot IX now has pride of place in Museum of Berkshire Aviation, celebrating a century of flight in Woodley.
 
French aviator Henri Salmet took to the air from Woodley in 1913 as part of an air circus advertising a national newspaper on a tour of the country, the town’s first documented flight.
 
Archivist Jean Fostekew said: “We know he flew because he took an 11-year-old girl up for a special flight.
 
“There wasn’t an airfield here in those days but Woodley always was a suitable place to land around the area known as the 100-acre field. Eventually in 1928 it did become Woodley Airfield.”
 
Replica of historic plane soars at Woodley museum