Sky-high honour bestowed on flower-powered Spitfire model at Cosford
A stunning floral Spitfire, crafted in honour of Sir Jack Hayward, has found a new home at RAF Cosford – next to a genuine Second World War Spitfire.
The 14ins by 15ins flower arrangement, which took florist Paul Mincher 40 hours to produce, was made using white gypsophila flowers and a selection of grasses, moss and statice.
It had been on display at Molineux in recent weeks, but has now been transferred to RAF Cosford where it sits alongside a Mark I Spitfire thought to be one of the oldest in the country.
Mr Mincher, 42, who owns Buds of Tettenhall in Lower Street in Tettenhall, Wolverhampton, made the model about six months ago. After posting a photograph of it on Facebook, he was contacted by Patti Bloom, Sir Jack's companion of many years, who said she and Jack thought it was great work. Sir Jack contacted Mr Mincher to make arrangements for the aircraft model to be transported over to his home in the Bahamas, but following his death it was decided to put the piece on display for all to see.
Sir Jack served in the RAF during the Second World War, first as a pilot officer in the 671 Squadron S.E. Asia Command in India before being de-mobilised as a flight lieutenant in 1946.
The Spitfire has been altered to have the markings of the squadron on its wings following Sir Jack's death.
Mr Mincher, a florist for 28 years, said: "I feel quite honoured to have my work on display at RAF Cosford. A lot of time and effort went into making the Spitfire and it makes me happy to think so many other people will be able to enjoy it. To think that Sir Jack enjoyed my work is an honour in itself. It would have been great for him to see it in person, but sadly it wasn't to be."
Mr Mincher's work is due to stay at RAF Cosford for the next three months. It will then be auctioned off for charity. It comes as organisers are gearing up for the third instalment of Cosford Food Festival.
Following on from the success of the first two events, which have seen more than 15,000 people attend, around 80 exhibitors from across Shropshire, Staffordshire and the West Midlands will be tempting visitors on July 25 and 26 at the RAF Museum, with a wide range of food.
