17th October saw the pinnacle of The Spitfires musical history, when they sold out The Point with guests and friends to celebrate their 40th Anniversary. The band welcomed the Mayor and Mayoress of Eastleigh, Chris Huhne (MP for Eastleigh) and Wayne Bulpitt, Chief Commissioner for England plus other dignitaries from the Scouts, Guides and Royal British Legion, to who the Band have been affiliated.
Formed in 1968, The Spitfires Scout & Guide Band has been providing musical entertainment to the residents of Eastleigh and further afield for 40 years. Starting with just £50 worth of second-hand instruments, the band has grown to be over 40-strong.
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- Spitfires performing at The Dell – 1978
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- Spitfires performing at The Point – 2008
Friday’s concert featured a wide repertoire of music from traditional marches such as Colonel Bogey and Swing March through to the likes of Abba, The Beatles and the film “Grease!”. As well as concerts, the band can always be seen out in local Carnivals and Parades, particularly around St. Georges Day and Remembrance Day.
The band welcomes anyone within the Scout and Guide movement who would like to play an instrument with a group of like-minded young people.
The band recently opened a new website (www.14thspitfires.co.uk) for people to keep in touch with the Band, and to find out about future events. The band’s next public engagement is The Autumn Fayre at St. Boniface Church, followed by the annual Remembrance Parade. To finish off the year, they will be helping to turn on Eastleigh’s Christmas lights and playing many carol concerts in the local area.
