Anger as Crocheted Spitfire Removed for Christmas Tree
Despite local outrage, the life-size crocheted Spitfire model, which took eight months to complete, will be taken down today from outside Southport Town Hall. The artwork was created to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War.
Visitors have questioned why the Spitfire couldn’t remain for just two more days, especially since Southport’s annual Christmas event does not begin until November 15.
Creation and Significance
The fuselage of the Spitfire, honoring 145 Polish fighter pilots who served with the RAF during the Battle of Britain, was built by Bootle’s Men in Sheds Association along with Polish community groups. It was then covered in panels crocheted by the local yarn-bombing group Southport Hookers and unveiled last month.
Since then, hundreds of visitors have admired the Spitfire daily and read memorials to 12 Polish wartime pilots based at nearby RAF Woodvale who died defending Britain.
Reason for Removal
The location is the centerpiece for Southport’s Christmas celebrations, and organizers had always planned to dismantle the Spitfire after just two and a half weeks.
The local Royal British Legion, which coordinated the project, said, "Our focus for Remembrance Sunday is the annual civic commemoration at Southport's imposing war memorial."
The decision to remove the Spitfire ahead of Remembrance Sunday has caused disappointment but reflects the prioritization of seasonal festivities.
Summary: The cherished crocheted Spitfire commemorating Polish RAF pilots is set to be removed early for Christmas preparations, sparking local frustration despite planned event timelines.