“I just had to do it!” says daredevil retiree Bob
Bob who lives at William Bradford Court, a McCarthy & Stone Retirement Living development in Bawtry near Doncaster, South Yorkshire, travelled to Biggin Hill in Kent to fulfil a lifelong dream: flying in a two-seater Spitfire.
Bob took a one-hour flight from the Heritage Hangar at Biggin Hill with Fly a Spitfire, choosing a route that traced the historic Kentish airfields of the Battle of Britain and included a breathtaking pass over the White Cliffs of Dover. He said, “I just had to do it, it was the flight of a lifetime.”
A passionate aircraft enthusiast, Bob fondly recalls watching Spitfires return to base at Biggin Hill during the Battle of Britain, performing victory rolls to signal successful missions. That early fascination led Bob to join the local Air Cadets and he then worked as an airframe fitter with the 600 City of London Squadron - an experience that forged a lifelong love of this iconic aircraft.
Sight-loss not an issue for a Spitfire adventure - with barrel rolls
Bob didn’t let being partially sighted get in the way of him making the most of his once-in-a-lifetime flight. Bob said: “I badly wanted to do a ‘Victory Roll’ over the airfield but they’re now banned by the London flying control authorities. But I 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!”
Darren Dray, General Manager, Fly a Spitfire, says, “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.”
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From independent living retirement property for over 60s, to assisted living at our Retirement Living PLUS apartments for over 70s, our lovely properties in stunning locations are thoughtfully designed so you can make the most of your retirement whether you’re just over 60 or heading for 100 - and you’ll have a lively community of new neighbours on the doorstep too.
Learn more about our retirement homes near you, call our friendly team on 0800 201 4811 or contact us online for more information.
