Spitfire heroes to see rare screening of film in Bridgnorth
Two surviving Spitfire pilots from the Battle of Britain will make their way to the West Midlands for a rare screening of the epic film about their heroic deeds.
Squadron Leader Tony Pickering and Flying Officer Ken Wilkinson, who are both in their 90s, will be guests of honour at the Majestic Cinema in Bridgnorth for the showing of Battle of Britain on Saturday, July 4.
They will introduce the 1969 film, starring Laurence Olivier, Michael Caine, Christopher Plummer and Robert Shaw, and afterwards answer questions from the audience and sign books and programmes.
They had previously attended a Spitfire day at RAF Cosford alongside Margaret Frost, Sid Lenthall and Jim Scott.
Members of the Bridgnorth Air Training Corps will provide a Guard of Honour on the night and singer Holly Robinson will perform songs from the 1940s as guests take their seats. The screening is believed to be the first time the film has been shown in a cinema since its initial release 46 years ago.
Money raised during the screening, sponsored by Terry Le Long, of Will & Trust Services, and Neil Phillips, of Phillips Chartered Accountants, will go to the RAF Benevolent Fund.
Bridgnorth was chosen for the film, commemorating the battle's 75th anniversary, because the town was earmarked by Hitler to be his British headquarters had his invasion plans been successful.
James Frizzell, manager of the Majestic, said: "The gentlemen who will be speaking on the evening will be meeting the Queen the next day so it's great to be involved."
Terry Le Long said: "To have the film shown for the first time in 46 years is one thing, but being accompanied by two of the pilots who flew in the Battle of Britain means the evening will be a great way to mark the anniversary of the battle."
Tickets, at £20, must be paid for in advance. Call 01952 522000 or 01952 250360.
