IT is the Hampshire village with an impressive maritime history.

But what is less well known is that Hamble played an important part in the UK’s seaplane industry.

The opening of the air station at Calshot in 1913 led to a plethora of firms developing seaplane technology and development.

The area’s tradition of boat-building also gave it the edge and the skills needed to develop the industry.

It was the Daily Mail’s base for its promotional seaplane tour of the south coast, before companies Avro, Fairey Aviation and British Marine Aircraft and Follands set up their own bases.

Even local boat builders Luke Brothers made an attempt to build its own seaplane.

Fairey Aviation were in the area from 1915 to 1958. One of their first craft was the Hamble Baby, followed by Fairey’s more famous inter-war seaplanes, many of which were exported abroad. The well known Seafox was completely designed and built at Hamble.

Avro came to Hamble in 1916 to build a purpose built factory, airfield and slipway to manufacture aircraft, especially seaplanes.

The Avro 504 was produced in great numbers and later Avro undertook many experimental/specialist designs.

This attracted famous aircraft designer Roy Chadwick and test pilot Bert Hinkler to Hamble.

British Marine Aircraft opened a new factory in 1936 to build flying boats.

At the end of 1937, Folland Aircraft took over initially to undertake sub-contract work for other aviation companies, particularly undertaking the maintenance of the Imperial Airways flying boats.

During the Second World War Folland Aircraft produced a Spitfire Floatplane.

Chairman of Hamble Local History Society and retired teacher Cllr Ian Underwood said: “One of the reasons the seaplanes came here was because Calshot didn’t have enough accommodation, so they were taken to Warsash and then to Hamble Point.

"The Daily Mail promoted their new-fangled aircraft and also built a shed there.

“In 1912, Ida Trestrail was the first woman to go up as a passenger in a seaplane on a Daily Mail voyage over the Southampton Water.

“The Follands and Avro slipways are still there.”

Dave Fagan, from the website Hampshire Airfields, writes: “No other part of the British Isles has had more connections with flying boats and seaplanes than Southampton Water.”

Hamble Local History Society will hear a talk by Ian Underwood, entitled Seaplanes at Hamble: How the aviation industry came to Hamble, on Thursday from 7.30pm at the Roy Underdown Pavilion at the end of Baron Road and Spitfire Way.

New members and visitors are welcome. The entry fee is £2.

Anyone who would like more information can contact secretary Brian Knapp on 023 8045 3534.