The fastest man on earth is flying into town this autumn to help raise funds for a memorial to airborne forces.
RAF pilot, Wing Commander Andy Green, holds the world land speed record after reaching a supersonic speed of 763mph in Richard Nobel’s Thrust SSC.
He will be sharing his experiences with guests at a black-tie dinner in October which is being organised by the Shrewsbury Business Chamber.
Wing Commander Green will be talking about his achievements which also include driving at a remarkable 350mph in the JCB diesel max car in 2006.
The evening is being arranged to support the Assault Glider Trust based at RAF Shawbury.
The project began in 2001 to build a complete Airspeed Horsa Assault glider which will serve as a memorial to airborne forces based in the Midlands.
When completed, the 27-metre wingspan aircraft will be the only complete, authentic, working model of its kind in the world. A World War II Horsa glider pilot will also be attending the dinner and wartime footage of assault gliders in action will be shown.
Graham Galliers, president of Shrewsbury Business Chamber said: “I am delighted to be organising this event. The project will commemorate the debt of gratitude we owe those who went before us in aircraft like the Airspeed Horsa in World War II. The evening promises to be entertaining, interesting and dynamic, as Andy Green drove faster than a speeding bullet.”
Organisers are looking to attract corporate sponsorship for the prestigious four-course dinner and hope to hear from local businesses.
It is being held at Kingsland Hall, Shrewsbury School, on Friday, October 31, at 7.30pm. Tickets cost £45 and are available from Val Povall on 01939 236001.