Farewell to an old friend

St Leonards Motors and Hastings will soon be saying farewell to one of it’s oldest and dearest friends. The Gloucester Meteor Mk VII aircraft, which SLM have owned since the late 1970’s, is returning to it’s original birthplace of Gloucester for a much needed restoration. The aircraft, which SLM acquired in the late 1970’s, has been part of the St Leonards on Sea landscape ever since. Originally located on pole outside the BoPeep pub at West Marina, close to where SLM used to operate, the aircraft was then moved to it’s current site when SLM relocated in the mid 1980’s to Churchwood Drive. “As a young lad, I have such fond memories of travelling to RAF Kemble when we initially bought this beautiful lady and spending weekend’s taking her apart for the move.” recalls SLM Director, Ian Wakeford.“ My father, John, used to fly one when in the RAF, and that is where the love affair started.” Retired director Brian Wakeford added, ”Our sadness at saying goodbye to a real old friend is partially offset by the knowledge that she is going home, and will get a wonderful restoration.” The aircraft, whose engines are now at Duxford and the undercarriage back with the Air Force, will eventually end up as a gate guard at it’s new home. For any further information, contact Ian Wakeford at SLM.