Lasham Airfield was the setting for the Silent Wings, Silent Wheels event in September 2015. Introduced by Damian Hinds MP, this unusual alliance of vintage gliders and electric cars attracted an estimated 500 people. Arranged as a joint event, Alton Energy and the Gliding Heritage Centre (GHC) hosted the event with East Hampshire District Council’s Energy Team.

On show was the UK’s most extensive collection of gliders dating from the 1930s to the 1960s, and guided tours were provided by members of the GHC. Flights in gliders were popular with visitors, and seven or eight gliders could be seen in the sky riding the thermals above the airfield.

An excellent range of electric vehicles was on display. There was a rather fabulous Tesla S, designed in California, and vehicles from Renault, Vauxhall and Volkswagen. Amongst the vehicles was a Nissan van on loan to East Hampshire District Council who have been considering using it for its operations. Many visitors took advantage of being driven, or even driving the cars around the roads outside Lasham airfield. Visitors were also given the opportunity to sample a ride on a range of electric bikes. East Hampshire District Council is aiming to invest in a number of charge-points across the District.