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| It's the left wing that fell off... |
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I was at Donington Park at the weekend, for the VSCC’s SeeRed historic race meeting.
Fabulous meeting, but what’s happened to the full-size, glassfibre Spitfire which sits high up on the Donington infield? With one wing hanging off and a broken tail, it’s a national embarrassment.
In fact, it’s more than an embarrassment. If someone like me, who was born more than 20 years after WWII ended, can be offended by the sight of those broken remnants hanging on a pole, how must it seem to veterans? Poignantly, Saturday was Battle of Britain Day – hence a real Spitfire (with both wings still stuck on) flew over the circuit.
Why doesn’t the new management, which recently took over the circuit on a 150-year lease, repair the glassfibre Spitfire? Or if they really can’t be bothered, will they please show some mercy and take down the broken, uncared-for, dismembered remains and give them a decent burial.
On a more cheerful note, I heard one competitor mutter, “Thank goodness the circuit’s on a 150-year lease. I’ve just seen my lap-times…”
I agree Charis…
The Super Marine Spitfire is an heroic icon of WWII and should always be regarded with the utmost respect, and I’m surprised that Donington management have allowed their replica to fall into such a sad state of disrepair.
Thankfully there are a number of fully serviceable, airworthy original Spitfires available to attend suitable historic events, and long may they continue to be maintained to airworthiness standards in order to demonstrate the impressive sight and sound of the Spitfire.
AlfaMartini | 22 Sep 07 - 16:28