Chris Roberts reports…..
         On Saturday 1st Feb 2020 a gathering outside ‘Chequers‘, the former home of A.W. (Bill) Bedford, watched the Mayor of Elmbridge (Councillor Mary Sheldon) unveil a Blue Plaque to record the fact that the wartime fighter pilot, who became Chief Test Pilot of Hawker Aircraft Ltd at Dunsfold Aerodrome, lived there from 1968 to 1996. Bill is fondly remembered by the many who worked for the company and was well known internationally for his Hunter work before, on 21st October 1960, he flew the prototype V/STOL (vertical/short take-off and landing) P.1127 which led to the Harrier, the world’s first in-service jet V/STOL fighter aircraft. The plaque was arranged by the Esher Residents Association to whom Bill was also well known for his community work over many years.