"It could not be a more perfect and fitting tribute"
A prestigious blue plaque has been unveiled at Felpham's sailing club today to celebrate the first female pilot of the iconic Concorde jet.
It's the final instalment in the Parish Council's Platinum Heritage Blue Plaque trail, which intends to commemorate the Queen's reign - but its International Women's Day conclusion has been described as a "perfect and fitting tribute" for former resident Barbara Harmer.
Councillor Kevin Watson said he feels 'most privileged' to unveil the plaque on such a notable day.
"Barbara was such an inspiration to so many, making history in what was such a male-dominated industry.
"She really battled to be the first female commercial Concorde pilot. We feel it's a really terrific tribute, and we're delighted."
Beneath the plaque is a black slate telling the story of Barbara's career, from "hairdresser, air traffic controller and private pilot/instructor to commercial pilot".
Harmer began her career at the village's sailing club, taking boats out with her dad, before moving on to learning to fly at Shoreham. She then become an instructor at Goodwood, eventually gaining her commercial pilot's licence which, by 1993, landed her the pioneering role of the first female pilot of the Concorde.
In March of that year, she flew from Heathrow to New York and continued to pilot the jet for almost a decade after. Her flying career was completed as captain of the Boeing 777, before she passed away in 2011.
The memorial stone cord was pulled by Barbara's sister, Carole, and Jeanne Friedman, one of her nieces.
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