OUTING TO SOLENT SKY MUSEUM

On Thursday 12 February 2026 an enthusiastic group of members and some partners battled the inclement weather to congregate at the Southampton Solent Sky Museum (formerly known as the Southampton Hall of Aviation).

The museum depicts the history of aviation in Southampton, the Solent area and Hampshire. There is a focus on Supermarine, the aircraft company based in Woolston, Southampton, and its most famous products, the Supermarine S.6 seaplane and the Supermarine Spitfire – designed by a team led R. J. Mitchell. 

There is also coverage of the Schneider Trophy seaplane races, twice held at Calshot Spit, and the empire flying boat services which operated from the Solent.  Some history and facts which a number of us were surprised to learn.  And even more fascinating was the sheer scale of the giant Short Sandringham Beachcomber flying boat which dominates the exhibition hall.  In fact the building was constructed around the aircraft!

Southampton was home to the largest flying boat operation in the world. One can learn about travelling to the British Empire on week-long aerial cruises and even climb aboard the flying boat!

Solent Sky houses over 20 aircraft and a number of aero-engines. Also on display are a number of models of former aircraft.  In fact there are more than sufficient and varied exhibits to entertain and educate.  Plus a number of audio/visual facilities which provide an intriguing insight into the history and context of these great flying machines.  

For example visitors can immerse themselves in an evocative documentary on the 57 WWII air raids against Southampton’s aircraft industry by the Luftwaffe.  This shows the damage inflicted by thousands of bombs which destroyed nearly 45,000 buildings in the commercial district and neighbouring residential areas.  Over 600 civilians lost their lives with another 900 serious casualties.  It highlights the indomitable spirit of the local people made homeless in an area typical of wartime England.   And it also records the almost unbelievable success of Beaverbrook’s initiatives to keep producing spitfire planes by scattering “home industry” production lines across Hampshire and Wiltshire (of course including Salisbury!).  

A visit is thoroughly recommended.

As always the outing was rounded off by an excellent lunch.  This time our organisers chose the Italian Restaurant “Figurati” which is located overlooking the yacht basin in Ocean Village.  Great food and great company.  Oh. ….  And the sun came out to warm our spirits too!

Our thanks to Phil and Karen Riley and James Prain for organising the outing and for shepherding us around.  

These events really are a tonic.  They cement friendships and social bonding.   Members are urged to make early bookings in their diaries to avoid disappointment as numbers are sometimes limited of necessity.

Godfrey Ball

Probus Liaison Officer