MEMORIES of one of the worst civilian air crashes in British aviation history are relived 50 years on, at a special two-day commemoration in Fernhurst on November 4 and 5.

All 37 passengers and crew lost their lives when an Iberia Airlines Caravelle from Malaga, crashed into the hillside in bad weather, at an isolated spot close to Upper Blackdown House at 10.02pm on November 4, 1967.

The flight was just eight minutes away from its scheduled landing at Heathrow at 10.10 pm.

Fifty years on, Fernhurst Archive, Fernhurst Society, St Margaret’s Church, Fernhurst Parish Council, and Fernhurst Village Hall have collaborated to organise three commemorative public events to mark the major air disaster which left a trail of wreckage strewn across a square mile of countryside.

The unveiling of a memorial plaque, exhibition and a memorial service are open to everyone. The weekend exhibition is open between 10.30am and 4pm at the Village Hall, Glebe Road, Fernhurst, on both days.

It tells the story of the accident and its aftermath, using official reports, newsreel and national and local press coverage, including coverage in The Herald (pictured below) and personal testimony from members of the emergency services and eye witnesses.

Villagers, rallied by the postmistress Edie Lucas, played a key role in supporting the emergency services.

Refreshments will also be available for the weekend’s events at the Village Hall, thanks to members of the Fernhurst Lunch Club and Good Companions.

A memorial service will be held at midday on the Saturday, at St Margaret’s Church, followed by the unveiling of a commemorative plaque at 2pm at the village hall.

The commemorations have been mounted in memory of the victims, and as a tribute to all those who rallied to help, and they have been supported by South Downs National Park Authority Sustainable Communities.

• For more information on the Blackdown Air Disaster, or to provide any further information about the events of the fateful night, email Christine Maynard at: archives@fernhurstsociety. org.uk