Latest news with #Spitfires
Glasgow Times
5 days ago
- General
- Glasgow Times
Quality Radio trustee to fly Spitfire to raise funds
Norman Ross, a trustee of Quality Radio, will take on the challenge at Biggin Hill Airfield in Kent, which was an RAF base during the Second World War. A lifelong fan of aircraft and the RAF, Norman sees the Spitfire challenge as a lifelong ambition. Read more: Children take on medical roles with Renfrewshire care home residents He said: 'When I was very young, born just after WW2, my father took me and my brother on days out to watch the aircraft at Abbotsinch, near Paisley, which was an RAF base that became HMS Sanderling in 1943. 'My brother joined the RAF and we lost him in 1975. 'I was always connected to Spitfires and the amazing sacrifice of the young men in the Battle of Britain. 'So, it has been my life challenge to fly a Spitfire.' The Spitfire that Norman will fly was built at Castle Bromwich in the Midlands in 1943 as an LF MK IXc. It entered service with 441 Squadron of the Royal Canadian Air Force, serving with the RAF. Its first operational sortie was flown on September 25, 1944, from advanced landing ground B70 in Belgium. Not content with just flying the plane, Norman also hopes to perform a Victory Roll in the Spitfire over the airfield. Through completing this challenge, he hopes to raise funds for Quality Radio Enterprise, a registered charity, to help them continue their work promoting the health and well-being of the community. You can support Norman and the Wellbeing Hub by donating online through JustGiving here: Read more: Theatre production inspired by herring trade coming to Paisley this autumn Norman said: 'Quality Radio engages with listeners, providing music therapy to those who may live alone, to hospitals, sheltered housing residents, and it also provides a Quality Wellbeing Hub for those who need help and advice. 'When I retired, I took the opportunity to learn to fly, and now I have the opportunity to fly an original Spitfire at Biggin Hill Airfield in Kent, one of the main bases that saw so much action in WW2. 'Part of my challenge is to perform a Victory Roll, and I would hope that the people of Renfrewshire can support me by donating to help others at the Quality Wellbeing Hub for Renfrewshire.'
CTV News
01-08-2025
- Business
- CTV News
Windsor-Essex Chamber of Commerce announces 150th anniversary celebrations
The Windsor-Essex Chamber of Commerce is gearing up for its 150th anniversary celebration. The Windsor-Essex Chamber of Commerce is gearing up for its 150th anniversary celebration. The Windsor-Essex Chamber of Commerce is under pressure from economic uncertainty. Despite the tariff deadline being hours away, the chamber is announcing plans on how they will celebrate its 150th birthday. Several events are planned, such as a networking session at the WFCU Centre, a Spitfire's game, and official birthday party at the Water's Edge Event Centre on March 27 and a Special Business Excellence Awards Gala in May.
Yahoo
31-07-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Partially sighted Yorkshire pensioner, 93, gets to fulfil lifelong dream
A Bawtry pensioner fulfilled his lifelong dream of 'barrel rolling' across the White Cliffs of Dover. Despite being partially-sighted, thrill seeker, Bob Coote, embarked on a remarkable journey to Biggin Hill in Kent to fulfil a lifelong dream: flying in a two-seater Spitfire. The 93 year-old, who now lives at William Bradford Court, Bawtry, near Doncaster, South Yorkshire, has been a passionate aircraft enthusiast since the days of the Battle of Britain. READ MORE: Three men rape teenage girls 'in most horrendous way' READ MORE: Boy seriously hurt after being electrocuted on Yorkshire farm Having grown up watching Spitfires return to base at Biggin Hill - performing victory rolls to signal successful missions - Bob said it was flight he 'had to do.' Bob said: "It was the flight of a lifetime." "I badly wanted to do a 'Victory Roll' over the airfield but they're now banned by the London flying control authorities. Keen to make the most of his once-in-a-lifetime flight, Bob said: "I still got in a couple of barrel rolls before making for base - and the drinks party with the friends who had cheered me on my way." His early fascination led Bob to join the local Air Cadets and later work as an airframe fitter with the 600 City of London Squadron - an experience that forged a lifelong connection with the iconic aircraft. Bob's adventure was made even more special by a warm welcome from Darren Dray, General Manager at Flyaspitfire, who described the visit as 'a homecoming of sorts' - given Bob's past work at Biggin Hill. Decades later, that connection came full circle when Bob took a one-hour flight from the Heritage Hangar at Biggin Hill, choosing a route that traced the historic Kentish airfields of the Battle of Britain and included a breath-taking pass over the White Cliffs of Dover. Despite being partially sighted - it didn't stop Bob from 'thoroughly enjoying' the flight. Darren said: 'We aim to be as welcoming and inclusive as possible. The sound and smell of the flight are just as powerful as the view. For many people, those sensations are what truly bring the experience to life.' Get all the latest and breaking South Yorkshire news straight to your inbox by signing up to our newsletter here.
Yahoo
30-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Eastleigh confirm sale of Shade to League One Burton Albion
EASTLEIGH have confirmed that star man Tyrese Shade has completed a permanent transfer to League One side Burton Albion for a club-record fee. Shade arrived in SO50 in the summer of 2024 and went on to make 43 appearances for the Spitfires, scoring 14 goals in that time. A successful season saw him claim two accolades at the end of the 2024/25 campaign, winning both Goal of the Season and Players' Player of the Season. The 25 year old has previous experience in League Two, where he made over 100 appearances across spells with Swindon Town and Walsall. READ: Skipper Stephens confident Quarshie will be 'really good' addition for Saints Upon signing the Saint Kitts and Nevis international, Burton Albion boss Gary Bowyer said: "A huge thank you to the owners for enabling us to complete the exciting capture of Ty. "He is someone whose career I have followed closely from his time on loan at Walsall until now. "Ty comes to us on the back of a great season, scoring all types of goals and we know he will excite our fans. He brings pace and power to our front line and we look forward to working with him." A statement from Eastleigh added: "With Tyrese now joining League One side Burton Albion, [[Eastleigh]] Football Club thanks him for his commitment and wishes him every success in the future."
Yahoo
30-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Burton sign forward Shade on two-year deal
Burton Albion have completed the signing of Eastleigh forward Tyrese Shade for an undisclosed fee. The 25-year-old has agreed a two-year contract with a club option for a further 12 months. Shade scored 14 goals in 43 appearances in the National League last season. Burton boss Gary Bowyer told the club website: "Ty comes to us on the back of a great season scoring all types of goals and we know he will excite our fans. He brings pace and power to our front line and we look forward to working with him." Shade started his career at Solihull Moors before spending four years at Leicester City, including a loan spell at Walsall, where he failed to break into the first team. He moved to Swindon Town in June 2022, and went on loan to Solihull Moors before joining Eastleigh last summer. The Spitfires said the fee they received for Shade is a club record. Burton open the new League One season at home to Mansfield Town on Saturday, 2 August.
