May 2022

Posted on Facebook by Alan Matlock – 6th May 2022

We’re off to Beaulieu!

For one day only (Thursday 2nd June) Spitfire Makers will be landing at RAF Beaulieu and we look forward to meeting many of you in person inside the last surviving building of the WWI airfield which is now the East Boldre Village Hall!

We’ll have some Spitfire-related artefacts on display, along with the latest news on our commemorative plaque project and our research into the 30+ Spitfire production sites we now know of within Southampton and more beyond.

See you there!

Thanks to New Forest & Hampshire Wartime Association – NFHWA and Marc Heighway for the invitation.

(9) RAF Beaulieu Airfield History Exhibition | Facebook

Posted on Facebook by Alan Matlock – 6th May 2022

The Spitfire Project –

“A new, national tribute to the Supermarine Spitfire – honouring our past, inspiring our future” – is being launched this weekend. I’ve heard there will be more info in The Telegraph on Sunday.

The planned monument, taller than the Angel of the North, will be erected on the waterfront in Southampton in the next couple of years.

Also, if you are in the area, keep your ears listening out and watch the skies over Southampton around Sunday lunchtime…

The Project team say: “We are immensely excited to officially launch our public appeal and new website for this special project tomorrow, on the eve of the 77th anniversary of VE day. Please like and follow us for updates!”

https://www.facebook.com/nationalspitfireproject

“And, if you are near Southampton Docks on Sunday, there will be a spectacular spitfire flypast between 12.55pm and 1.45pm – please feel free to share any pictures with us!”

(It’s been suggested that the best place to view from may be at the far end of the Park near berth 101.)

Spitfire Makers have been in discussion with the Project team to ensure that the story being told at the monument is not just about the Plane and the Pilots but will also direct people to the less well known stories which highlight the vital part played by the People and the Places, particularly here in Southampton, “The Home of the Spitfire”, where they built the iconic plane.

The Project brochure, speaks of the Spitfire as being, “An enduring symbol of innovation, engineering excellence, hope and courage.” Copy and paste this link to find the full online brochure: https://d3df79481c8e4ff6b243-98886fc58a48eafc042573e131fa…

Posted on Facebook by Hilde Gronsberg – 12th May 2022

Are You able to help?

We’d love to hear from those who use Shirley Parish Hall and local residents: how should we improve it for the benefit of the local community? Please fill in the 5 minute survey and spread the word. Thank you! https://www.stjamesbythepark.org/shirleyparishhall

Posted on Facebook by Alan Matlock – 25th May 2022

The next two plaques have arrived…

Two of our Spitfire Makers project team also work at the Solent Sky Museum here in Southampton so it seemed like a good place to unwrap the package.

Solent Sky director Alan Jones was pleased to see them and museum manager, Steve Alcock, joined Spitfire Makers Chair, Alan Matlock and team member Robert Stidworthy for the photos taken by Solent Sky’s Chris Smith.

Watch this space for news of the unveiling.

Posted on Facebook by Alan Matlock – 25th May 2022

Here’s a list of forthcoming “Building Spitfires Without a Factory” talks by Spitfire Makers Chair, Alan Matlock.

See our website for further details: https://spitfiremakers.org.uk/events/public-talks/

Please contact spitfiremakers@btinternet if you are interested in hosting a talk.

2022 June

Thursday 9th Lordshill and Lordswood Historical Society. The Lounge, Manston Court,

Lordshill, Southampton. SO16 8HF From 10.30 to 12.00 noon. Bryan Norton 02380343093

Wednesday 15th Woolston Probus Club. Woolston Masonic Hall, Manor Road South,

Woolston, Southampton, SO19 2DS Coffee from 10.00, talk at 11.00. Club contact: Phil Davy:

phildavyac@gmail.com Tel: 07565 539535

Friday 17th Bentley Priory, Fighter Command Museum, Mansion House Drive, Stanmore,

HA7 3FB 11.00 – 12.00 https://bentleypriorymuseum.org.uk/…/friday-morning…/

https://bentleypriorymuseum.org.uk/whats-on/2022-06/

2022 July

Thursday 14th Rotary Club of Southampton Magna, The Novotel Hotel, 1, West Quay Road,

Southampton. SO15 1RA 18.45 for 19.00.

Thursday 28th Droxford History Group. Droxford Village Hall, 2 High St, Droxford,

Southampton SO32 3PA 19.00 for 19.30 Secretary: Olive Hathaway 01489 878768

2023

Tuesday 7th February. Bishop’s Waltham Aviation Group. Church Hall, Free Street, Bishop’s

Waltham. SO32 1EE 8pm. https://bwavg.co.uk/ Terry Giles 07874055437

Wednesday 15th November. Probus Club of Hamble Valley. Diamond Jubilee Hall, High

Street Recreation Ground, High St, Botley, Southampton SO30 2ES From 10am to 12noon.

Southampton U3a 2nd May. St James Methodist Hall, Shirley, 2pm.