SECRET SPITFIRES
A sell-out crowd had the most wonderful evening at Warminster School at the recent showing of the Secret Spitfires film in aid of Alzheimer’s Support.
The Thomas Arnold Hall was full and buzzing with excitement of what was to come, wartime music playing, volunteers from Starry Eyes were dressed up in 1940s dress, raffle in full swing and tempting cakes on view.
Sally Boyle, of the Starry Eyes Performance Foundation, introduced the evening and also special guest, Norman Parker. Norman, 95, from Amesbury, recalled his stories of the Spitfires and introduced the wonderful film.
The film was watched with interest and laughter. Who knew Spitfire parts were being built in local buildings and all in total secret, what a story! From Salisbury to Westbury and Trowbridge to Reading. There was also plenty of laughs, as the factory ladies recalled the US troops who were stationed locally. A truly remarkable film and a story that will never be forgotten.
Following a rousing sing song to Vera Lynn’s, We’ll Meet Again, with flags flying, Norman took to the stage for questions & answers.
The best question of the night was, have you ever flown in a Spitfire? And to the crowds delight it was a resounding yes. Norman finally got to fly in a Spitfire in 2018, of which he recalled with much joy.
The evening was rounded off with canapes and cakes, coffee and fizz, with lots of conversation and chat to finish off a most interesting evening.
In total the event raised £1465.35 for Alzheimer’s Support. Warminster School would like to thank Laura Crouch and Rachel Fear from Alzheimer’s Support, both based at the Old Silk Works in Warminster and all the wonderful volunteers from Starry Eyes who baked cakes, organised the raffle and helped the evening go smoothly. Also, a thank you to Warminster School Catering Team for laying on such lovely canapés and fizz and of course, to Norman for giving up his time to come and talk to us and bring such an important part of history to life.
Lisa Cook commented, “This event came about as part of Warminster School’s new community programme the EDGE. We work weekly with local charities, churches & groups. Our pupils are helping the older generation with tech, mobile phones and laptops, serving customers in our local charity shops, volunteering with Alzheimer’s Support or going into local primary schools and helping with afterschool clubs. Our pupils are giving back to Warminster and learning important life skills as well as having fun.”
If you would like to get involved or would like our help to raise money for a charity, please get in touch with our EDGE Coordinator Lisa, [email protected]
Keep an eye out on our website for upcoming events.