A SELL-OUT talk exploring the remarkable story of the Spitfire and Salisbury’s hidden role in its creation has raised more than £6,000 for homeless veterans’ charity ALABARÉ.

Historian and pilot Paul Beaver captivated a packed audience at Salisbury Rugby Club on Friday, February 27, with the story of the legendary fighter aircraft and its designer, R J Mitchell.

The evening revealed how Salisbury quietly became a hub for aircraft production during the Second World War, with factory workers keeping their work secret to avoid alerting enemy forces.

Paul Beaver led the talk.

The story of the Spitfire’s creator is also a poignant one. Mitchell died in 1937 at the age of 42 following a cancer diagnosis and never saw the aircraft he designed take to the skies.

The event, titled The Spitfire Story, was organised by ALABARÉ’s Wiltshire Ambassadors group in support of the charity’s Homes for Veterans programme.

Everyone listens intently to Paul.

With rough sleeping in Wiltshire rising by 66%, the charity says its work has never been more important.

Over the winter, ALABARÉ provided a route into longer-term accommodation for 31% of people who needed an emergency bed during freezing conditions.

Two veterans were among those who moved into a dedicated Home for Veterans in Salisbury.

In the past year alone, the charity has supported 158 former military personnel experiencing homelessness, providing stable accommodation alongside help with confidence, budgeting and employability.

ALABARÉ ambassador Baroness Sophy Antrobus said: “Hearing Paul talk about the history of the Spitfire was inspiring. The aircraft symbolises what happens when a community comes together with purpose, determination, and belief – and ALABARÉ carries that same spirit today.”

The event was supported by sponsors Chemring Countermeasures, Apsley Precision Engineering and Rolls-Royce.

Managing director at Chemring Countermeasures Andy Hogben said: “It’s been a privilege to support ALABARÉ and The Spitfire Story talk.

“Our High Post headquarters is based on the site of one of the former Spitfire factories, so we feel a close connection with the aircraft, while our operations today help to keep the military safe from threats. It’s been a natural partnership, supporting a much-loved local cause.”