‘Manx Spitfire Fund’ to Assist Television Star to adopt a Manx Identity

A full size replica, taxi-able, Spitfire which featured in the Yorkshire Television Film series ‘Piece of Cake’ in 1988 was brought to the Isle of Man in 2000 for restoration, modification and repainting to replicate the Spitfire ‘Manxman’. This aircraft was a Presentation Spitfire from the Manx Public and one of the first to carry Wing Commander Douglas Bader’s initials on it's fuselage.

A ‘Manx Spitfire Fund’ similar to that 60 years ago, with the aim of raising £5000 (the cost of the original ‘Manxman’ Spitfire) was established. This Fund will help to cover the cost of purchase, transportation to the Island and the initial restoration work.

During the process of restoration and on completion of work, the Replica Spitfire will be on show to the Manx public. It is hoped that this replica Spitfire will be a great local attraction as well as an educational exhibit.

Any volunteers who wish to assist with the restoration work will be most welcome. For further Information contact: Mr. Andrew Saunders, Lower Sartfield, Jurby; Tel. (01624) 897425 or pronto mobile (07624) 490470.

Contributions to: ‘The Manx Spitfire Fund’, Account No. 90678910 can be paid in at any branch of Barclays Bank on the Island.

As already mentioned by Andrew Saunders in the newspaper article, he has gone out on his own with this project. Even though Mr Saunders is a member of MAPS, no MAPS money has gone towards the purchase of the Spitfire, however MAPSs' members will support Andrew in whatever way they can.