Mine was the Grace Spitfire.

When I was about 14 or 15, I went flying with a friend who had a Cessna 172 at Bodmin and we flew down to St. Merryn, where upon landing we were taken by the farmer Bob Partridge into what I thought was an old shed.

Inside was a Fairey Firefly Mk.6, two Piston Provosts, a Stampe and in the corner being worked on by Nick Grace was the Spitfire. He asked me what the aeroplanes were and have correctly indentified them all (I didnt get out much when I was a child!), I enquired about a ride in the Spitfire.

The sum of £200 was suggested and so for months after, I scrimped and saved, cut neighbours grass, painted walls, dog walked, you name it to save my pennies. And then……

the Spitfire moved to Goodwood and not having the means of getting there, I duly spent the money on my first stereo system. This of course lasted more than 20 minutes which would have been the duration of the flight, much to the annoyance of my parents!!!

I have since flown in a lot of warbirds and classics and at times think how lucky I have been. If I had been a little bolder when younger, perhaps I would have added the Spitfire to my list. Oh well…..

Best wishes to all,

Martin