A Kiwi Drops In: The Pilot with Nineteen Lives
Hear the extraordinary true story of a New Zealand pilot's incredible survival against all odds. An inspiring evening of adventure and resilience.
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When
6pm, Friday 13 February 2026
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Where
Hutton Theatre
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Price
Tickets required
Join us for an extraordinary talk by Geoff Piper on the amazing story of RAF pilot Jim Hayter.
Shot at, shot down, and somehow always surviving—Jim Hayter cheated death not once, but nineteen times. From deadly aerial shootouts and catastrophic crashes to a miraculous escape from the clutches of the German army, Jim's wartime journey is the stuff of legend.
His dramatic parachute landing into the English town Cranbrook, where Geoff grew up, sparked a deep dive into a life almost too astonishing to believe. What began as curiosity turned into a gripping, heartfelt narrative brought to life with colourised black-and-white photographs, and enhanced with AI-generated imagery that offers a vivid new look at Jim and his beloved wife, Pat.
Speaking with humour, warmth, and reverence, Geoff weaves a story that’s not only thrilling but deeply human. This is more than a tale of survival—it’s a celebration of resilience, love, and the extraordinary spirit of a man who simply refused to die.
