UK's re-armament programme. Thus Fairey Aviation was based on Crossley Road next to the railway line. The factory manufactured 14 Fairey Hendon, 1,154 Battle, 600 Fulmar and 675 Barracuda aircraft and also reconditioned Swordfishes. Fairey's also built, under sub-contract, over 660 Handley Page Halifaxes and nearly 500 Bristol Beaufighters. Heaton Chapel had design staff and manufacturing capacity. Assembly was at Barton Aerodrome for a short period then at RAF Ringway from June 1937 onwards. In 1951 the FD1, Fairey Delta 1, was built here. On 10 March 1956, the Fairey Delta 2, with Heaton Chapel components, broke the World Air Speed Record at 1820 km/h (1132 mph). From 1954, the Gannet was also built here although production of the 338 aircraft was shared with the company's other factory at Hayes, Middlesex. In 1946 the company diversified into the Nuclear industry, forming Fairey Stainless. In 1986 Fairey Engineering was taken over by Williams Holdings and became Williams Fairey Engineering Ltd. It is now known as WFEL. The Air Portable Ferry Bridge (APFB) is a lightweight 40 metre bridge that can be transported to site in a C130 aircraft, and erected by 8 engineers in 90 minutes. It is in use in Iraq and Helmand Province, Afghanistan. Fairey Aviation sponsored the Fairey Brass Band, who hold rehearsals in Heaton Chapel. Popular culture Sir John Alcock, who with Arthur Whitten Brown, made the first non-stop transatlantic flight in 1919, attended St. Thomas' Primary School in Heaton Chapel alongside the church. Heaton Chapel was the home of the Poco-a-Poco Club, many a big name star performed here including David Bowie 27 April 1970. Sited at the junction of Denby Lane and Manchester Road, and formerly, the Empress Cinema, this has now been demolished and has been home to The Hinds Head pub for a number of years. See also Listed buildings in Stockport References External links Heaton Moor Council link Community site for the Heatons A Community website for The Four Heatons - catch up on local issues A Community website for the North Heatons Area Areas of Stockport