A ferry, Spitfires and J Class yachts’ crews
This could be about Hamble but the Society’s next meeting is ‘The Story of Itchen Village’ a similar neighbouring community. Cheryl Butler will be talking about the village that grew up around a ferry crossing, along an important coastal route to Southampton.
At the beginning the village was small with a handful of families, who were employed in farming, fishing and running a ferry. They became good sailors and developed their own iconic Itchen Ferry sailing boat. Soon yacht racing became the staple employment for the men of the village, including providing crews for the famous J Class yachts of America’s Cup fame.
The village also became a place where flying boats were developed and the most famous aircraft of them all, the Spitfire. Being the home of the Spitfire, its factory was bombed in the Second World War.
Why not come along to the Roy Underdown Pavilion on Thursday 8th February at 7.30pm and join us to find out about the Itchen Village Story? New members and visitors are always welcomed! Our meeting fee is just £2. If you would like more information please contact our secretary, Janet Flack, telephone 8045 7189.