Posted on Facebook by Alan Matlock – 3rd April 2026
Spitfire news from our friends at Southampton Airport.
Your chance to get up close to the ‘K5054’ at the start of its 9 flights around the UK.
As a charity we have supported the Mark Long Fellowship to honour the memory of the BBMF pilot.
“…Spitfire 90 Charity Flight
Hi all,
As you’re aware, the Spitfire 90 charity flight launches on Tuesday 7th April. To support the charities, (RAFBF and Mark Long Trust) we are offering a unique opportunity to come airside and get close to the action. You’ll have an opportunity to take pictures behind the wire and see how it all unfolds. We may also have a special surprise visitor! Places are limited so get in quick!.
To secure your place, please email Andrew.gavagan@southamptonairport.com
In return, we are asking for donations of £30 split between the 2 charities so we can do our bit. If interested, please email Andy and he will share more information.
I look forward to seeing some of you there on Tuesday!
Please note: this is all subject to operational requirements and any plans may be impacted by circumstances outside of our control.
Mike Glen
Head of Airspace and Noise
Southampton Airport
AGS Airports”
Posted on Facebook by Alan Matlock – 4th April 2026
Plaque 21 Unveiled!
After the excitement of the Spitfire 90 celebrations we went to into the East Hampshire countryside to unveil our 21st plaque.
The Langrish House Hotel near Petersfield is owned and run by Nigel and Robina Talbot Ponsonby.
Just before the war, Nigel’s father Edward started up an engineering business in the adjacent stable block. When the war came the company’s expertise in die casting and mould making was soon adapted to produce munitions and parts for Spitfires. The company continues to be a leading producer of aeronautical and automotive components and, in the sixties, made the mould for the nose of Concorde!
The war also meant the house being requisitioned for use by New Zealand troops who left it in very poor condition.
Meanwhile, Edward became the leader of the Langrish Auxiliary Unit. A covert patrol of just seven local men signed up to form a resistance force tasked with harassing the enemy if there had been an invasion.
Most of the members of the Unit were farmers who had a detailed knowledge of the area. Targets were to have been any troop movements on the A272 and, using explosives stored in the cellar of the house, the railway tunnels on the Meon Valley line would have been blown up.
The guests at the unveiling included the son of Dorothy Deadman who was one of the local ladies making Spitfire parts in the stables. After the plaque had been unveiled with help from the mayor of Petersfield, Cllr Chris Paige, Nigel and Robina hosted a splendid reception in the house.
Finally, here’s a link to chair, Alan Matlock’s interview on Petersfield’s Shine Radio…
https://shineradio.uk/…/the-secret-wartime-story-of…/
PLAQUES APLENTY
We are now working closely with our Bitterne and Shirley Men’s Shed teams to install another 9 (yes nine!) plaques. Several still need final consent to put them up but we hope this will come through very soon and that some of them will be in place over the next few weeks. Watch this space for further news.
Photos courtesy of Lex Kraaijeveld, & The Spitfire Makers Charitable Trust
The Spitfire Makers Charitable Trust 