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It happens to most of us, but gradually, as you become aware of increasing frailties, etc.
But sometimes you get a blast from the past which brings home how much water has flowed under the bridge...
In 1968, I was working for the Marconi Company, building the No. 2 satellite dish at Goonhilly. I have several pictures of the construction.
And today I came across this news story:
(Mention of the Olympics reminds me that while at Goonhilly, I saw some of the first ever satellite images of the Mexico Olympics, received from Telstar by Goonhilly 1. The clips were short, as the satellite was only visible for short periods, as it was in a low orbit.)
Anyone else got any 'growing old' moments?
But sometimes you get a blast from the past which brings home how much water has flowed under the bridge...
In 1968, I was working for the Marconi Company, building the No. 2 satellite dish at Goonhilly. I have several pictures of the construction.
And today I came across this news story:
WMNGOONHILLY SATELLITE DISH TO BE DISMANTLED
11:00 - 15 February 2006
One of the oldest antennae at a Westcountry satellite earth station is being dismantled. Antenna 2, the second "dish" to be built at Goonhilly, near Helston, 38 years ago, has reached the end of its operational life. Engineering teams have begun the task of dismantling the huge landmark structure which weighs almost 1,000 tonnes.
Parts of the antenna, such as the transmitters, have been recovered for use by some of other 60 dishes at the station.
A ten-tonne, ten-metre long screw, which was used to elevate the dish, will be recovered and put on display outside the Goonhilly Visitors Centre.
Alan Bradley, Goonhilly Earth Station manager, said: "When it was first built, Antenna 2 had an expected operational life of about 25 years. The fact that it has lasted much longer than originally expected is a tribute to the quality of its construction and design. But the weather has steadily taken its toll on the metal structure. It is no longer feasible to maintain it."
Mr Bradley said: "There are no plans to remove any of the other 60 Goonhilly dishes.
"All the other antennae, including Antenna 1, which has been granted listed status, continue to play a vital role.
"The demand for satellite communications continues to be very strong."
Antenna 2 has not been fully operational for over a year.
Mr Bradley said: "For most of its 38 years, this aerial has provided transatlantic communications.
"During that time it has been used to convey not only thousands of telephone calls, but live TV pictures of historic events, including the Olympics and global events such as Live Aid."
(Mention of the Olympics reminds me that while at Goonhilly, I saw some of the first ever satellite images of the Mexico Olympics, received from Telstar by Goonhilly 1. The clips were short, as the satellite was only visible for short periods, as it was in a low orbit.)
Anyone else got any 'growing old' moments?