Kentish Express Ashford & District
Firm aids Battle of Britain trust
A Spitfire still flying will help to raise money for the charity preserving the story of the pilots who flew the historic aircraft over Kent during the Battle of Britain.
The link-up between the Battle of Britain Memorial Trust and Aero Legends – which operates flights in historic wartime planes – was announced last week.
It means anyone flying in their Spitfire or their Harvard or Tiger Moth – used to train fighter pilots – will also be donating to the Trust, which runs The Wing visitor centre at the National Memorial to the Few in Capel-le-Ferne.
As part of the new agreement, the Trust will receive a donation from Aero Legends, based at Headcorn Aerodrome, when flights are booked through the Trust.
The company offers a range of flight experiences which often fly past the National Memorial on the cliffs.
The two organisations have also teamed up to provide other joint offers which will pay tribute to the bravery and sacrifice shown by the men and women of the RAF during the air battle above southern England in 1940.
Free entry will be offered to any of the summer events held at Headcorn to anyone who vis- its the Scramble Experience at The Wing.
Ben Perkins, from Aero Legends, said: “The Trust does a fantastic job preserving the memory of the men who flew these wonderful aircraft and we are happy to give something back to the charity. “There are clear links between the Trust’s goals and our ambitions and we are delighted that we help attract visitors to the Memorial when we are flying overhead.
“If some of those visitors want to sign up for the ultimate experience of flying in a Spitfire it seems only fair to donate some of the cost back to the charity.”
BoB Memorial Trust chairman, Richard Hunting, said: “There is no better sight than a classic fighter flying over the National Memorial to the Few at Capel-leFerne and we are always pleased to see Aero Legends’ aircraft overhead.
“I am thrilled that the company now wants to help us further by supporting our fund-raising efforts in a number of ways. I am sure this will prove to be a fruitful arrangement.”
For more go to www. battleofbritainmemorial.org