ON THE (OLD) RUNWAY Multi-Cache
castagnari: As the owner has not responded to my previous log requesting that they check this cache I am archiving it.
If you wish to email me please send your email via my profile (click on my name) and quote the cache name and number.
Regards
Shaun
castagnari
Volunteer UK Reviewer - geocaching.com
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Difficulty:
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Terrain:
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Size: 
(micro)
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An offset cache on Greenham Common, Newbury, Berkshire.
Greenham Common has had a mixed history, alternating between common land and military occupation.
Parliamentary troops crossed the common in 1643 during the civil war. A military camp was set up in 1740 becoming a marshalling base during the Jacobite Rebellion. In 1872 20,000 troops had an exercise camp here, then 5,000 cavalry arrived in 1890. During the first world war troops and tanks trained here although before and after this it was a popular picnic venue.
In 1941 Greenham and Crookham Commons were requisitioned as an airfield and three runways were built. Inititally pilots were trained here. it became the headquarters of a troop carrier wing during the invasion of North Africa before becoming an American Air Force station in 1943. The base was used by many 'planes and gliders during the D-Day landings and again later in the war.
In 1947 the land reverted to common land until 1951 when it once again became a U.S. airbase. It became fully operational in 1956 after the runway had been strengthened. The Americans left in 1964 when the RAF used the base, only to return again in 1967 when it became a standby base.
During this time Air Tattoos were held here, attracting thousands of spectators. British land speed records were broken here by Richard Noble in Thrust 2.
In 1979 Nato decided to site cruise nuclear missiles on the base. Then started a long period of protests. The silos were, however, built and the missiles duly arrived, but had all gone by 1991. The Americans left in 1992 and the public once again had access to the common land in 2000. Most of the runways have now been dug up and ponds and paths made. It is now an area of SSI and cows wander freely.
Suggested parking is in the car park at N51 22.950, W001 17.054, but please note that the car park does get locked, but the times vary - the notice at the entrance states the day's closing time.
The building by the car park is the old airbase control tower. It is due to become a visitor centre and cafe.
This an offset cache. The above co-ordinates are for the first part - find out the information below to find the cache itself (a very natural object!) which, unfortunately has no room for any swaps. It might be an idea to bring your own pen or pencil - the ones in the cache are very tiny.
How much of Europe's heathland has been destroyed in the last 50 years? AB%
Newbury District Council opened the first part of the base to the public in which year? CDEF
How far is the Silo Walk? G.H Km
How long will the Silo Walk take? J hour(s)
How far is the Taxiway Walk? K Km
How long will the Taxiway Walk take? L hour(s)
Find the cache at: HC degrees LL.FKD BBJ degrees CK.AHF
It is asked that people keep to the paths and dogs be kept on a lead from 1st to March to the end of July, as there are many ground nesting birds on the common.
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
1. Abgvprobneq va sebag bs gur byq pbageby gbjre.
2. Uvqqra va gur tbefr ng gur onfr bs n gerr arne gur bayl cvrpr bs ehajnl abj yrsg.