Spitfire boys exhibit plans are flying high

8:57am Thursday 13th December 2007

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During World War Two it was common for local towns and cities to raise funds to Buy a Spitfire'.

The wonderful fighter aircraft, with their thoroughbred Merlin engines, cost less than £1,000 at that time and all kinds of fundraising enterprises were dreamed up to buy them for the RAF. Sixty years later, the Buy a Spitfire' theme has resurfaced.

Enterprising campaigners Peter Kraus and Ray Burgess pulled off a significant coup a few months ago when they managed to do a deal with the owner of a Spitfire, who was on the verge of selling it abroad.

They set up the Pembrokeshire Spitfire Aeroplane Company Ltd, having raised sufficient funds and promises of support to secure the fighter plane and have it restored as a prize exhibit in their proposed Aviation Museum at Withybush.

The aircraft was in pieces in the owner's garage in Oxford and Peter and Ray hope to restore it to flying condition, turn it into a two-seater, and eventually be able to offer fundraising flights in it as well as making it a key exhibit in the museum.

Fundraising goes on, and, following a successful Variety Show at Tenby's De Valence Pavilion, the next fundraising event takes place on Saturday.

The Spitfire Christmas Ball is at the Imperial Function Centre, Milford Haven, with a four-course meal, entertainment by Stagestruck Academy and a disco, all for £25 a head.

Tickets are available from Peter Kraus on 07867 765716 or 01646 680003, or Ray Burgess on 01437 764639 or 07761 053713.