TEIGNMOUTH museum curator Beryl King is taking to the skies in a daring bid to raise money for its big money extension project. Mrs King will don goggles and warm clothing for a wing walk over the Solent, between South Sea and the Isle of Wight on August 29. It marks the 75th anniversary of the Schneider Trophy and also Mrs King's 75th birthday year. The intrepid curator is going to such outlandish lengths to raise funds for the £750,000 project to extend and relaunch the French Street museum. The plan is to make it a flagship building for Teignmouth with exhibition and community space. Mrs King will be strapped to the plane and will experience 150 mph in the skies over the Solent. The experience has been offered free of charge to help the museum. The plucky pensioner said she is 'thrilled to bits,' about the experience. 'I'm quite happy about it, mind you, it is early days. 'It could all change when I see the plane,' she said. The Schneider Trophy competitions ran from 1913- 1931. The aircraft used was a high-speed airplane that formed the model of the WWII fighter, The Spitfire. The competition was hotly contested between teams from Britain, Italy and the U.S.A. with the final aim being three consecutive win and the permanent retention of the trophy. This was finally achieved by Britain in between 1927-1931. There is a sponsor form at the museum, which is open six days a week. 'I'd like to raise as much as possible, about £420,000 would be good,' she joked. 'But honestly, I would really like people to get behind the event because it is in such a good cause,' said Mrs King.
