After almost a year of searching a concerted media campaign across Greater Manchester has traced the last living relating of the Pilot of Spitfire W3644 Lytham St Annes. Articles published in the local papers in Heywood and Middleton, the birth place of Sgt Alan Leaver Ridings have lead us to the door of his 86 year old sister Mrs Joan Selka whom now lives in Bingley in Yorkshire. Although members of the Spitfire Memorial Team have yet to meet her in person, a recent telephone call with her shed light on some of the background of Alan and “she was moved and delighted that the people of Lytham St Annes are planning a lasting tribute to her brother” who sadly was killed at the age of just 21 when he was shot down over France.
John Coombes, Lead Fundraiser for the memorial said “it was a moving experience to speak with Joan after all this time of searching as she had no idea of W3644 and of our campaign to raise funds for the replica aircraft which will now include her brothers details, she was over the moon”
Joan was contacted by a former neighbour who heard the story on Greater Manchester Radio and got in touch. There are lot’s more details to follow about Alan and his RAF career and he will shortly be able to put a face to the name we have known for 18 months.
The fund raising campaign will receive a boost in August with the delivery of “Lucy” a Mark IX Spitfire and former gate guardian to RAF Speke. The aircraft has been sponsored by Fylde Executive Cars as the centre piece for a new mobile display which will travel the Region raising donations and collecting memories from Lancashire folk about their experiences of life in Fighter and Bomber command in WW2. The Spitfire will carry 611 RAF West Lancashire Squadron Markings and will be available to attend events or private functions in return for a donation to the fund.
Dave Hobson said “readers will be aware that Lancashire in the 1940′s incorporated a huge area including Manchester and the links with the old Shire County are still strong, that is why we chose to paint the aircraft in 611 colours”
The memorial will be a Northern tribute to the brave aircrew and their aircraft and will incorporate an interactive screen which will display historical facts, names of those killed and of those that came back and their lives after the war. The team are also looking for artefacts to add to their mobile exhibition trailer.
The team has now written to Lord Shuttleworth to enquire about a member of the Royal Family carrying out the unveiling ceremony which has been set for the 21/22 August 2010. This weekend will also see a host of 1940′s events taking place across the Borough.
Dave Hobson added “Local Fylde businesses have been very supportive with people offering secure storage for the Spitfire and potential sites to display the Spitfire to help raise awareness. The team now needs help with the temporary loan of exhibition trailer and access to a towing vehicle”
Barry Wallond aviation artist added “fund raising is a tough business but I think Lytham St Annes has a very unique asset here, which people will hopefully support as they did in 1940. The Spitfire is part of the Fylde’s civic heritage and a reminder of the sense of community spirit and civic pride the area once had. To have such a unique memorial and attraction can only be good for the area – we now just need to raise the £130,000 needed for the scheme”
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