We have known for sometime (from Google Earth) that there are old aircraft parked up in the “outfield” of Paphos Airport and since taking up Geocaching, it was always a plan of ours to try and include these aircraft in one of our caches, if at all possible.
We recently had business in Paphos, which left us with time on our hands to explore this area, our inquisitiveness paid off when we discovered there was more to it than just old aircraft.That afternoon, research on the internet revealed the following concerning the three aircraft:
Two, ex Royal Air Force, AEW (Airbourne Early Warning) Avro Shackletons, registrations WL747, and WL757 which were withdrawn from service in 1991 and sold to a local collector. These two aircraft were operated by 8 Squadron, and were affectionately known as Florence (WL747), and Brian (WL757), from Magic Roundabout fame. It seems ironic that these two aircraft are overflown on an almost daily basis, by Boeing aircraft bearing type designations with the same numbers.
The third aircraft is an ex French Air Force, Dassault Flamant, registration F-AZEN. This is a light utility aircraft, equipped to carry cargo, and/or up to 10 passengers. This was also, apparently, acquired by the same collector.
However, we also discovered a little park, but we don’t know it’s significance. We have been more or less able to translate the Greek on the plaque - which says: “This little forest was inaugurated on 16th April 2000 by the Minister for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Mr Kostas Thermistokleous; designed and planted by Petros Trakkides, Mayor of Achellia and the Cultural Group of Geroskipou.” The words on the benches all have to do with ‘peace on earth’ ‘love your home village’ etc.
The last 300 metres are more suitable to a 4 x 4 (or hire car!), otherwise on foot may be better. Due to tree coverage, the GPS reception can be patchy, hence the helpful hint. As always in Cyprus, beware of snakes.