Sharing ‘The Spitfire Story’ raises thousands for ALABARÉ

A fascinating talk, telling the incredible story of the iconic Spitfire aircraft and its links to Salisbury, has raised over £6,000 for homeless veterans' charity, ALABARÉ.

Historian and pilot, Paul Beaver, spoke to a sell-out crowd at Salisbury Rugby Club on Friday evening (27th February 2026), sharing details of the fighter’s creator, R J Mitchell, and the secretive nature of their manufacturing.

The city of Salisbury became a hub for aircraft production, which changed the course of the Second World War, while factory staff kept their work quiet to avoid repercussions from the enemy.

Mitchell’s story is also poignant as he never got to see Spitfires in flight, as he died at the age of just 42, in 1937, following a cancer diagnosis.

‘The Spitfire Story’ talk in aid of ALABARÉ had been organised by the charity’s Wiltshire Ambassadors group, in support of its Homes for Veterans.

With the growing homelessness crisis and the 66% increase in people sleeping rough in the county, ALABARÉ’s support is much needed.

Over the winter, ALABARÉ provided a gateway to longer-term accommodation for 31% of people who required an emergency bed to shelter from the freezing cold, including two veterans who moved into a dedicated Home for Veterans in Salisbury.

In the last year, ALABARÉ has supported 158 former military personnel experiencing homelessness, providing them with safe, stable accommodation, and help to improve their self-esteem, financial budgeting, social confidence and employability skills.

ALABARÉ Ambassador, Baroness Sophy Antrobus, said, “Hearing Paul talk about the history of the Spitfire was inspiring. The aircraft symbolises what happens when a community comes together with purpose, determination, and belief — and ALABARÉ carries that same spirit today.”

The event was held thanks to the sponsorship of Chemring Countermeasures, Apsley Precision Engineering, and Rolls-Royce.

Andy Hogben, Managing Director at Chemring Countermeasures, said, “It’s been a privilege to support ALABARÉ and The Spitfire Story talk. Our High Post headquarters is based on the site of one of the former Spitfire factories, so we feel a close connection with the aircraft, while our operations today help to keep the military safe from threats. It’s been a natural partnership, supporting a much-loved local cause.”

Peter Aymes, Apsley Precision Engineering Managing Director, said, “The creation of the Spitfire is a prime example of precision engineering in itself, so we were only too happy to help ALABARÉ tell its story. We’re also incredibly supportive of the charity’s mission to break the cycle of veterans’ homelessness, in a geographical area with a proud military history.”

Philip Wiltshire, Customer Manager at Rolls-Royce, said, “The Spitfire led the way in aerospace engineering, and we’re pleased to have been able to honour its contribution to military history, but also support the important work of ALABARÉ. Their efforts to provide homes, restore hearts, and empower minds align with our own mission to power, protect and connect the modern world.”