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| Author | Zoe Aresti |
Last weekend Reel Cinema Bridgnorth held a special screening of the 1969 film Battle of Britain. The unique commemorative event for the 75th anniversary of the battle was attended by two of the 28 surviving Spitfire pilots from the historic battle. Squadron Leader Tony Pickering, who flew hurricanes and later spitfires, and Flying Officer Ken Wilkinson, who flew spitfires under the legendary Douglas Bader, were invited as guest speakers for the evening to help raise money for the RAF Benevolent Fund.
The event which took place on Saturday night, began with classic 1940’s songs being sung as the audience arrived and took their seats. Then as the pilots arrived, they were given a guard of honour by members of 63 Squadron (Bridgnorth) Air Cadets. The two pilots were given a standing ovation as they entered the cinema, and before the film began they talked about their experiences during the war to a captivated audience.
As for the film showing itself, it is believed to be the first screening of the film, starring Laurence Olivier, Michael Caine, Christopher Plummer and Robert Shaw, in a cinema since its initial release 46 years ago. The Majestic Cinema was chosen for this event because Bridgnorth had been earmarked by Hitler to be his British headquarters in the event of a successful invasion of Britain.
The event was a great success and cinema manager, James Frizzell, said: “It’s great that this event coincided with the Severn Valley 40s weekend and it has been a very successful evening, we have had more people in than on the opening night for Jurassic World.”
The event was organised by Neil Phillips, of Phillips Chartered Accountants, and Terry Le Long, Will & Trust Services to raise money for the RAF Benevolent Fund.
This article first appeared on The Shropshire Star.