Skeeters Cause a Buzz at Eastleigh

An Eastleigh built helicopter which first flew 60 years ago will take centre stage at a special event in August.

The Eastleigh Helimeet at Fleming Park on Sunday 3^rd August will feature four Saro Skeeters; a scout helicopter first designed and built by the Cierva Autogiro company at Eastleigh in 1948.

The historic aircraft were then produced by Saunders Roe at Eastleigh and were the first helicopters to enter service with the British Army Air Corps in 1956.

In addition to examples of the Skeeter, up to nine other helicopters will be on display throughout the day.  These will include Hampshire’s Air Ambulance and a Sioux XT, a helicopter made famous by the film and TV series MASH.

Visitors to the free event will also be treated to a display by the Black Knights Royal Artillery Parachute Display team who will demonstrate their skills as they drop in on the Park.

Chair of the Eastleigh Local Area Committee, Chris Thomas, is the brainchild behind the Helimeet, “Eastleigh has a rich transport history in rail, road and aviation.  The Airport saw the first flight of the legendary Spitfire as well as the Skeeter – the British Army’s first helicopter.  It is important that we highlight Eastleigh’s transport heritage and the important role that our community has played in the development of aviation.  The day will help to highlight these achievements and promises to offer plenty of interest for young and old alike”.

Eastleigh Helimeet will start at 9.00am when the first helicopters will be flown in.  Several of the more historic aircraft will also arrive by road trailer.

And an Eastleigh public house will be entering into the spirit of the event.  Stones Public House in High Street will be renamed “Skeeters” for the day with displays of historic helicopter photographs decorating their walls.

With limited parking available at Fleming Park for Helimeet visitors, a Park and Ride service is being provided from Eastleigh Town Centre on Sunday 3^rd August with buses leaving from the bus station every five minutes.