The Story of Salisbury’s Secret Spitfires in aid of ALABARÉ

The previously secret story of Salisbury’s connection with the iconic Spitfire aircraft is being shared in a special event next month, all in aid of homelessness charity ALABARÉ.

The city was a hub for the construction and testing of Second World War fighter aircraft, but for decades, the process was kept under wraps for the safety of factory workers and Salisbury itself.

Now, the story and that of the Spitfire’s creator, engineer Reginald Mitchell, is being told at Salisbury Rugby Club on Friday, 27 February.

In the shadow of a statue replica of a Spitfire, historian and pilot Paul Beaver will lead a fascinating and inspirational talk to delight enthusiasts of local, military, and aviation history.

The event is also raising awareness and funds for ALABARÉ and its mission to break the cycle of homelessness, including services restoring hearts and empowering minds for former military veterans who find themselves at a crisis point.

The work of Reginald Mitchell in developing the Spitfire is incredible, having moved from the world of steam locomotives into flight and designing the aircraft that changed the course of World War Two.

But sadly, Mitchell never got to see his creation in flight, passing away in 1937 at the age of just 42, following a four-year battle with cancer.

Historian Paul Beaver has been researching Mitchell, Spitfires and their connection to Salisbury for many years, and has become a pre-eminent voice in sharing those stories.

Recognising Beaver’s background in the Army Air Corps Reserves, and as a former TV war reporter, ALABARÉ is pleased to be hosting his illustrated talk in support of the charity’s veterans’ services in Wiltshire.

Royal Navy Commodore (Retd) Richard Lord CBE, an ALABARÉ ambassador, is organising the event and said, “I’m very much looking forward to learning more about the Spitfire story in Salisbury and the innovation shown by Reginald Mitchell, with the added bonus of supporting ALABARÉ’s efforts to provide homes, restore hearts, and empower minds for people at risk of homelessness, including hundreds of veterans.

“The charity’s work with former military personnel in Wiltshire is exemplary – from the supported living accommodation in Salisbury that gives them a safe and secure base from which to turn their lives around more positively, to the Boots on the Ground wellbeing programme offering outdoor activities that also boost mental and physical health.

“The award-winning Veterans’ Self-Build scheme, at Ludgershall, has also been a fantastic example of breaking the cycle of homelessness, as participants work within the construction industry to increase their employability and have a hand in building the properties that they are then able to move into, independently, for affordable rents.

“These projects are only able to run with the support of charitable donations to ALABARÉ, and this event will go some way towards ensuring more veterans can be supported into brighter futures.”

Tickets for the talk at Salisbury Rugby Club on Castle Road, on Friday, 27 February, are £25 for adults, or £10 for students and young people.

Book your place at https://alabare.co.uk/events/the-spitfire-story/