P1B December Newsletter
First off, welcome to our new subscribers and a huge thank you to everyone who has contributed so far. Every one of you is making a meaningful contribution towards our ultimate goal: getting the last P1B on public display for the first time in over 30 years.
Since edition two it’s been a whirlwind of activity, with the odd Lightning bolt thrown in for good measure. Our first thank you goes to Aces High Gallery:
I’ve known Colin and Caroline for many years and approached them to see if they would kindly sponsor our donation to the annual Aerobility Ball. As you’ll recall from the previous newsletter, we met test pilot and P1B veteran Don Knight, who generously signed an original large black-and-white print of XA847.
Aces High Gallery have a reputation as one of the world’s finest picture framers, and they didn’t disappoint. With nearly 50 original Lightning pilots’ signatures in one place, they created a truly unique work of art, one that would look superb in any man cave. On the night, bidding was fierce. High bidder Seymour Krack was pipped at the post by the Silver Fox, and the hammer finally went down at £850, all in aid of a wonderful charity. Thank you, guys.
ÂŁ110,000 raised at the Aerobility Ball - congratulations to all involved!
Four weeks is a short time, but we’ve been flat out behind the scenes - team meetings, swanky balls, trips to the South Coast, and even a long-haul flight to the Southern Hemisphere - all for the love of P1B.
Subscribe to read further, including:
Progress: Rich Manning continues meticulous restoration - authentic finish, battle scars preserved, one washing machine lost.
Challenges: Missing panels & parts, the treasure hunt continues…
New Year New Home: Hangar space secured
Memoirs, tales from the Cockpit: Test pilot Alan Merriman flew XA847 in July 1960
Historic first: XA847 was the first Lightning fitted with an air-to-air refuelling probe
Callsign Collective
Want to know your options? Last minute gifting? Or something to read over the Christmas period? We've got you covered!