At the Society’s last meeting its Chairman, Ian Underdown, gave a very interesting talk about shops that have served the village over the years. Most villages have shops which residents have fond childhood memories such as Bevis’ and Lynton’s sweetshop/ newsagents. At this meeting memories were shared of tins of biscuits from which the shop keeper would serve the customers and of buying broken biscuits at a reduced price, as well as school children using their bus money to buy cakes or sweets and walking home. Other memories were of items such as paraffin being readily available from hardware stores and garages.
Today Hamble has just a few shops selling products (excluding Cafes and take away foods) compared to 27 in the 1950s plus several banks and garage service stations that
no longer exist to the disappointment of many residents. As a result of this meeting many more memories were shared on a local Facebook group, even from people who no longer lived in the village.
The next meeting of the Society will be on Thursday 7th September, 7.30pm, at the Memorial Hall (Rear Hall) when Stephen Hoadley will be giving a talk about ‘The Local Story of the Spitfire’. The Spitfire’s origins began with the Schneider Trophy seaplane races held off Calshot and the prototype first flew from Eastleigh Airport. Subsequently, it went into production at the Supermarine factory at Woolston.
AST at Hamble was the largest Spitfire repair base in the country and the women of the Air Transport Auxiliary based at the airfield greatly facilitated its success. Due to the danger of having all the repair facilities in one place AST had to disperse it activities locally at Netley, Swanwick, Locks Heath and Titchfield, as well as using premises at Exeter. Another village company, Folland Aircraft, was a sub-contractor for Spitfire production.
So why not come along to hear Stephen’s fascinating story of the local area’s contribution to the Spitfire’s wartime success. New members and visitors are always welcomed! Our meeting fee is just £2. If you would like more information please contact our secretary, Margaret Greenfield, telephone 8045 4373.