Anger as Crocheted Spitfire Removed for Christmas Tree
Despite local outrage, the life-size crocheted Spitfire model, which took eight months to complete, is being taken down today from outside Southport Town Hall. Created to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, the artwork will be removed before Remembrance Sunday to make room for a Christmas tree.
Visitors have questioned why the Spitfire couldn't remain for just two more days, especially since Southport's Christmas season does not officially begin until November 15.
Creation and Significance of the Artwork
The fuselage of the Spitfire honors 145 Polish fighter pilots who served with the RAF during the Battle of Britain. It was built by Bootle’s Men in Sheds Association in collaboration with Polish community groups. Local yarn-bombing group Southport Hookers then covered it with carefully crocheted panels before it was unveiled last month.
Public Reaction and Purpose
Since its unveiling, hundreds of visitors have admired the Spitfire daily, reading memorials dedicated to 12 Polish pilots from nearby RAF Woodvale who lost their lives defending Britain.
Christmas Festivities and Project Coordination
The site is the focal point of Southport’s Christmas celebrations, so organizers had planned from the start that the Spitfire would be dismantled after two-and-a-half weeks.
The local Royal British Legion, which coordinated the project, stated: "Our focus for Remembrance Sunday is the annual civic commemoration at Southport's imposing war memorial."
Summary: The crocheted Spitfire, a poignant tribute to Polish pilots, sparked local disappointment upon removal to accommodate Southport’s Christmas tree, highlighting the challenge of balancing remembrance with seasonal celebrations.