Anger as Crocheted Spitfire Removed for Christmas Tree
A stunning life-size crocheted Spitfire model, created to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, is being taken down outside Southport Town Hall despite local outrage. The model, which took eight months to complete, will be removed today to make way for a Christmas tree ahead of Remembrance Sunday.
Visitors have questioned why the artwork couldn't remain for just a few more days, especially since Southport's annual Christmas celebrations do not officially begin until November 15.
Creation and Significance of the Spitfire
The fuselage was built by Bootle’s Men in Sheds Association with help from Polish community groups, honoring 145 Polish fighter pilots who served with the RAF during the Battle of Britain. It was then covered with crocheted panels made by local yarn-bombing group Southport Hookers and unveiled last month.
Since its unveiling, hundreds of people have visited daily to admire the Spitfire and read memorials to 12 Polish wartime pilots from RAF Woodvale who died defending Britain.
Seasonal Priorities and Remembrance Sunday
The site also serves as the centerpiece of Southport's Christmas festivities, so organisers had always planned to dismantle the Spitfire after about two and a half weeks. The local Royal British Legion, responsible for coordinating the project, emphasizes that their main focus for Remembrance Sunday is the annual civic ceremony at Southport's prominent war memorial.
Visitors have demanded to know why it couldn't have been left in place for just two more days, especially as the site does not host Southport's annual 'Christmas spectacular' until November 15.
"The focus for Remembrance Sunday is the annual civic commemoration at Southport's imposing war memorial," says the local Royal British Legion.
Summary: Despite public disappointment, the crocheted Spitfire commemorating Polish WWII pilots is being removed early to prepare Southport's Town Hall for Christmas festivities and Remembrance Sunday observances.