Flying in with a fitting tribute for the Spitfire
 |
| Colin Lee's design |
DRIVING down the M3 on
the approach to
Southampton it would
be a sight that is impossible
to miss.
The looping Spitfire would welcome
thousands of visitors to the
city every day and surely become
one of Britain's defining icons.
A statue of the legendary RJ
Mitchell proudly gazing skywards
at his most decorated fighter plane
- the Spitfire - as it performs an
inverted loop.
Rising up from a site, where the
M3 meets the M27, a steel crest of
a wave tells the remarkable story of
the Spitfire.
From Mitchell's rough sketches to
the first flight over Eastleigh, the
sacrifice of the workers and pilots
and its eventual triumph at the
Battle of Britain.
This is the latest proposal for a
fitting monument to the iconic aircraft
that could help put
Southampton back on the map
and give the city the elusive wow
factor.
It was dreamt up by Daily Echo
reader Colin Lee after the proposed
Spitfire of the South - inspired by
Newcastle's Angel of the North -
was unveiled last year.
After the 44-year-old's draft
design was welcomed by Echo
readers last December, Mr Lee
returned to the drawing board to
create his final design.
The Freemantle resident today
throws down the gauntlet to the
Spitfire Tribute Foundation which
has employed two professional
design firms to come up with its
own proposals.
Mr Lee said a tribute to the
Spitfire was well overdue but the
proposed structure - with the
Spitfire standing upright on its tail
- wasn't suitable.
He said: "99 per cent of comments
and letters I have read in the
Echo and from people I have talked
do not appear to be in favour of
the present proposed design.
"My idea was to try and
capture the Spitfire in
flight. It doesn't have to be
inverted but thought it
would be easier to see the
shape from the ground and
illuminate it at night."
After scouring Google Earth, he
settled on the motorway location
as it would be seen by the most
number of people.
"Originally I chose Mayflower
Park as it's away from major buildings
and would be visible from
cruise ships entering the Western
Docks," he said.
"After hearing they had moved
the play area because it took up
too much space for the Boat Show
I don't think a memorial there will
now be possible.
Inspired by artist Paul Day's
Battle of Britain Memorial on the
banks of the Thames, in London,
Mr Lee said the sculpture should
retell the Spitfire's history.
"It's important to tell the story of
the Spitfire for future generations
for the part it played
in saving this country
from
fascist Germany," he
said.
"I hope a monument
would be an icon for
Southampton and
make the residents
proud of its link to
this beautiful aircraft."
The Spitfire Tribute Foundation's
remit is to create a striking memorial,
costing between £1m and
£2m.
Funding for the attraction
will be sought from
Government bodies, private
business sponsorship
and public subscription
in Britain
and throughout
the
Commonwealth.
8:29am Sunday 20th July 2008
Print 
Email this 
CommentPosted by: Mr Nobody, somewhere far away on 8:45am Sun 20 Jul 08
Can't the money be spent on better policeing and a ice rink ?
Anyone who want's to know what a spitfire was or did can hire the movie Battle of Britan!!
Can't the money be spent on better policeing and a ice rink ?
Anyone who want's to know what a spitfire was or did can hire the movie Battle of Britan!!
Posted by: Finlay, Des Moines, Iowa on 9:44am Sun 20 Jul 08
[quote]... aircraft that could help put Southampton back on the map and give the city the elusive wow factor.[/quote]
Well dont say I dont contribute anything back to Soton - Ive checked on Google Earth and an Atlas I have and can confirm that Southampton is still on the map. I guess thats how so many illegals find it as well.
... aircraft that could help put Southampton back on the map and give the city the elusive wow factor.
Well dont say I dont contribute anything back to Soton - Ive checked on Google Earth and an Atlas I have and can confirm that Southampton is still on the map. I guess thats how so many illegals find it as well.
Posted by: hmm on 9:56am Sun 20 Jul 08
[quote][bold]Finlay[/bold] wrote:
[quote]... aircraft that could help put Southampton back on the map and give the city the elusive wow factor.[/quote] Well dont say I dont contribute anything back to Soton - Ive checked on Google Earth and an Atlas I have and can confirm that Southampton is still on the map. I guess thats how so many illegals find it as well. [/quote] Could you put some apostrophes back?
[this pointless comment joins your pointless comment].
Finlay wrote:
... aircraft that could help put Southampton back on the map and give the city the elusive wow factor.
Well dont say I dont contribute anything back to Soton - Ive checked on Google Earth and an Atlas I have and can confirm that Southampton is still on the map. I guess thats how so many illegals find it as well.
Could you put some apostrophes back?
.
Posted by: pau b on 11:57am Sun 20 Jul 08
What a load of sh1t
Posted by: Woolston resident, Woolston on 12:37pm Sun 20 Jul 08
I think this is a fantastic idea, perhaps it could be placed in the new Centenary Quay just a few hundred yards from where it was built and what a sight it would make rising up over the sea and the city.
I think this is a fantastic idea, perhaps it could be placed in the new Centenary Quay just a few hundred yards from where it was built and what a sight it would make rising up over the sea and the city.
Posted by: mr no name, Never land on 1:55pm Sun 20 Jul 08
Should cause many accidents by putting on the side of the motorway, People gazing at it and saying Wow what a waste of money !
Should cause many accidents by putting on the side of the motorway, People gazing at it and saying Wow what a waste of money !
Posted by: resident on 3:29pm Sun 20 Jul 08
[quote][bold]pau b[/bold] wrote:
What a load of sh1t[/quote] Did it take a long time and all ten of your brain cells to think up this intelligent comment? You need not have bothered.
pau b wrote:
What a load of sh1t
Did it take a long time and all ten of your brain cells to think up this intelligent comment? You need not have bothered.
Posted by: jed, soton on 3:46pm Sun 20 Jul 08
I guess that is what the problem with Britain is these days, people just not caring or being bothered. Half of people under 25 probably don't even know what a Spitfire was, or what it and the brave pilots did for this country. It just doesn't register in their lives. Bring back respect and virtue and lets try and get some thing of this country back again. This is a truly wonderful idea that all of Southampton should be proud of...I guess first though we need to get them out of their chavved up Saxo's, get them a job and just realise what heritage and proudness really is. Afterall, if you can't repect yourself and those around you, why would they respect hundreds of thousands of people who worked and died for what they have today?
I guess that is what the problem with Britain is these days, people just not caring or being bothered. Half of people under 25 probably don't even know what a Spitfire was, or what it and the brave pilots did for this country. It just doesn't register in their lives. Bring back respect and virtue and lets try and get some thing of this country back again. This is a truly wonderful idea that all of Southampton should be proud of...I guess first though we need to get them out of their chavved up Saxo's, get them a job and just realise what heritage and proudness really is. Afterall, if you can't repect yourself and those around you, why would they respect hundreds of thousands of people who worked and died for what they have today?
Posted by: Paul, sitinhere on 4:03pm Sun 20 Jul 08
Better not make the statue from bronze or the micks will have it away. It could go in Mayflower Park as the Council will undoubtably lose the boat show to Pompey sooner or later. Like everything else in this city at present the council talk alot but there seems to be litttle action.
Better not make the statue from bronze or the micks will have it away. It could go in Mayflower Park as the Council will undoubtably lose the boat show to Pompey sooner or later. Like everything else in this city at present the council talk alot but there seems to be litttle action.
Posted by: bored of 'hmm' on 6:37pm Sun 20 Jul 08
[quote][bold]hmm[/bold] wrote:
[quote][bold]Finlay[/bold] wrote:
[quote]... aircraft that could help put Southampton back on the map and give the city the elusive wow factor.[/quote] Well dont say I dont contribute anything back to Soton - Ive checked on Google Earth and an Atlas I have and can confirm that Southampton is still on the map. I guess thats how so many illegals find it as well. [/quote] Could you put some apostrophes back?
[this pointless comment joins your pointless comment].[/quote] Could you approach a drunk motorcycle gang and tell them they're a bunch of fat, soft poofs?
hmm wrote:
Finlay wrote:
... aircraft that could help put Southampton back on the map and give the city the elusive wow factor.
Well dont say I dont contribute anything back to Soton - Ive checked on Google Earth and an Atlas I have and can confirm that Southampton is still on the map. I guess thats how so many illegals find it as well.
Could you put some apostrophes back?
.
Could you approach a drunk motorcycle gang and tell them they're a bunch of fat, soft poofs?
Posted by: proud english, allbrook on 7:30pm Sun 20 Jul 08
looking good and a good location to put it.i for one think it will be money well spent for heroes that fought for our country.
looking good and a good location to put it.i for one think it will be money well spent for heroes that fought for our country.
Posted by: hairy bear, soton on 8:26pm Sun 20 Jul 08
[quote][bold]proud english[/bold] wrote:
looking good and a good location to put it.i for one think it will be money well spent for heroes that fought for our country.[/quote] well done sir a positive quote without bowing to the moaning masses, i feel the design is dynamic and position on the soto eastleigh border a fitting tribute
proud english wrote:
looking good and a good location to put it.i for one think it will be money well spent for heroes that fought for our country.
well done sir a positive quote without bowing to the moaning masses, i feel the design is dynamic and position on the soto eastleigh border a fitting tribute
Posted by: Jim, Southampton on 9:11pm Sun 20 Jul 08
I would think a statue of the Spitfire would be better placed in Derby where they actually made it, whereas Southampton spends a bit of money on beautifying the place and sorting out the mobs of knife wielding children (or is it booze wielding children?). I wonder what qualifications one needs to be a councillor nowadays apart fom a knack for thinking up "zany" ideas for "Wow!" factors.
I would think a statue of the Spitfire would be better placed in Derby where they actually made it, whereas Southampton spends a bit of money on beautifying the place and sorting out the mobs of knife wielding children (or is it booze wielding children?). I wonder what qualifications one needs to be a councillor nowadays apart fom a knack for thinking up "zany" ideas for "Wow!" factors.
Posted by: Sheitma Pance, Soton on 9:44pm Sun 20 Jul 08
Oh hahaha Jim! Very funny.
(Of course it was the Triumph Spitfire CAR that was made in Derby)
Now, go boil your head and show a little respect for the people that gave their lives flying it, in order that you could have freedom.
Oh hahaha Jim! Very funny.
(Of course it was the Triumph Spitfire CAR that was made in Derby)
Now, go boil your head and show a little respect for the people that gave their lives flying it, in order that you could have freedom.
Posted by: vanessa, eastleigh on 10:35pm Sun 20 Jul 08
Thats a very noble gesture to the brave fighters of days gone by,but the spitfire that is in place is enough to say we are proud of what we achieved with the aid of the spitfire and pilots.Surely we should be spending the money on getting the cost of living down for familys that are struggling to survive??And the spitfire that is in place is in the correct place just 100 yards from where it was manufactured!!Its also not too big that it could cause an accident to motorists!!So goverment think again will you and listen to the public..........
Thats a very noble gesture to the brave fighters of days gone by,but the spitfire that is in place is enough to say we are proud of what we achieved with the aid of the spitfire and pilots.Surely we should be spending the money on getting the cost of living down for familys that are struggling to survive??And the spitfire that is in place is in the correct place just 100 yards from where it was manufactured!!Its also not too big that it could cause an accident to motorists!!So goverment think again will you and listen to the public..........
Posted by: true brit on 7:44am Mon 21 Jul 08
lets put up a spitfire,then all the foreigners that have now invaded us can see that once we were proud enough to keep England English,now we're just a dumping ground for eastern europeans and the like,who by the way,get treated better than our own by this poxy country.I feel so sorry for our brave servicemen who gave their lives to give us freedom just for pen pushers to give it all away
lets put up a spitfire,then all the foreigners that have now invaded us can see that once we were proud enough to keep England English,now we're just a dumping ground for eastern europeans and the like,who by the way,get treated better than our own by this poxy country.I feel so sorry for our brave servicemen who gave their lives to give us freedom just for pen pushers to give it all away
Posted by: Big Boy, Hythe on 7:56am Mon 21 Jul 08
Finlay - Could you wind your neck in.
Finlay - Could you wind your neck in.
Posted by: THomas downes, Southampton on 8:21am Mon 21 Jul 08
That's the best memorial design I have seen so far, well done Colin.
Can someone throw the moaning minnies and grammar police in the channel they are beginning to bore me.
That's the best memorial design I have seen so far, well done Colin.
Can someone throw the moaning minnies and grammar police in the channel they are beginning to bore me.
Posted by: goard, Soton students on 10:43am Mon 21 Jul 08
This has been the best design to date. My dad would be delighted that, hopefully, the Supermarine will be forever recognised for the extremely hard work that was put in to get the Spitfire up up and away to fight the Battle of Britain - but by that time my dad, A Lewis, was killed. He use to come home tired and quite worn out by the hours (all through the night, come home have a wash and breakfast) and back again to keep production going. We are Soton people and proud of the Supermarine and now hopefully, proud if this wonderful design is accepted.
goard
This has been the best design to date. My dad would be delighted that, hopefully, the Supermarine will be forever recognised for the extremely hard work that was put in to get the Spitfire up up and away to fight the Battle of Britain - but by that time my dad, A Lewis, was killed. He use to come home tired and quite worn out by the hours (all through the night, come home have a wash and breakfast) and back again to keep production going. We are Soton people and proud of the Supermarine and now hopefully, proud if this wonderful design is accepted.
goard
Posted by: Ho Ho, soton on 11:24am Tue 22 Jul 08
Keeping England for the English - I agree, please remember that the four commanders of the battle of Britain were
Dowding - Scottish
Three three Group commanders
New Zealander
South African
English.
Battle of Britain not Battle of England !
Keeping England for the English - I agree, please remember that the four commanders of the battle of Britain were
Dowding - Scottish
Three three Group commanders
New Zealander
South African
English.
Battle of Britain not Battle of England !
What are these links for?
If you liked this article and would like to share it with others on the web who might be searching for good content we've made it easy for you to do it.
At the bottom of all articles, you'll see links to six sites. These sites - commonly called 'social bookmark' or 'social news' sites - have large communities of web users who share and rate interesting, useful and fun things on the web.
Clicking the links will automatically add the address of the story you are reading to one of these sites, letting you share it with others. Each site will ask you to register to share stories. Registration is free and once a member, you can store, recommend and search for stories that interest you.
More on Digg
More on del.icio.us
More on Furl
More on reddit
More on NowPublic/
More on Yahoo!
