Another reason to be cheerful

With the weather closing in and the clocks due to go back shortly, we're delighted to have booked another speaker to add to our autumn line up of Sunday afternoon guests.

On 5 October, retired physics teacher Geoff Piper, who served for 33 years in the RAF Volunteer Reserve (training branch), retiring as a wing commander, will be at The Wing to present a fully illustrated talk on the amazing story of world war two pilot Jim Hayter DFC*

Squadron Leader Hayter, who was born in New Zealand, flew with No 605 Squadron during the Battle of Britain, having learned to fly with the Royal New Zealand Air Force.

Geoff will tell the tale of how Sqn Ldr Hayter was shot down and parachuted into Cranbrook. "Jim had an amazing story; he had 19 'lives' due to shoot-ups, crashes and an incredible escape from an encounter with the German army," explained Geoff.

The talk, which begins at 2pm, is free, but we suggest a donation of £5 per person to help us preserve the legacy of the Few and continue the Trust’s work. As a charity, we rely on the generosity of visitors for the Trust’s existence. Every purchase in our shop or café also helps!

We would also like you to let us know if you book a space and find you are unable to use it. It’s disappointing for us and for the speakers if we have empty seats saved for people who don’t turn up. There are limited seats available in The Wing, and if you let us know you can’t make it, we can make your place available for someone on the waiting list.

To book your place, call 01303 249292 or email enquiries@battleofbritainmemorial.org.