Sir Keith Park Memorial

This just in…

Success for Sir Keith Park Memorial Campaign Planning Applications
http://www.sirkeithpark.com

Dear Supporter,

On Thursday, 7th May the Planning Committee of Westminster City Council considered the two applications we had submitted to them, the first for a permanent installation in Waterloo Place , the second for a temporary installation on the Fourth Plinth in Trafalgar Square.
I am pleased to be able to write to you now with the good news that the Planning Committee has approved both of our applications.
This means that we can proceed with the plans for the permanent statue to be erected in September 2010 to coincide with the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Britain, with just the Government to grant their permission as the final hurdle. In the meantime we will continue to seek the remaining permissions for a statue to be erected temporarily on the Fourth Plinth, the planning approval we have just obtained being the penultimate hurdle as the final decision now rests with the Mayor for London, as does the timing of this temporary installation.
When we launched our Campaign last March, veterans, supporters and members of the Park family were accompanied in Trafalgar Square by a Spitfire. We campaigned from the start for a statue of this remarkable man to be erected on the Fourth Plinth, because we could think of no more fitting place to commemorate someone whose leadership was absolutely vital to the outcome of the Second World War. It was these unique and exceptional circumstances that weighed in favour of the Campaign and helped ensure a positive response at the Planning Committee on Thursday, 7th May.
We anticipate that the temporary statue will be up on the Fourth Plinth for six months starting later this Autumn. The permanent statue should then be ready for an unveiling ceremony in September 2010. We are in close contact with the RAF and anticipate that the unveiling will form a principal part of their commemoration of the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Britain next year. The culmination of everybody’s efforts will therefore have an added poignancy and relevance as we remember the Battle itself and its significance for our and future generations.
It only remains for me to offer you my profound gratitude, on behalf of the Campaign, the Park family and the veterans, for all that you have done in helping achieve proper recognition for Sir Keith Park’s service to this country. It is no exaggeration to say that the leadership given by Sir Keith Park was crucial to our winning the Battle of Britain, and therefore to the ultimate outcome of the Second World War.
By putting up this statue in the heart of the City he did so much to defend, we are demonstrating that today we still remember and respect not only the leadership and achievements of Sir Keith Park, but also the courage and sacrifice of all who served alongside him in the RAF. The fact that he was a New Zealander also reminds us of the countless thousands from other countries who have fought alongside British servicemen and women during the World Wars and in the years since.”
We shall be in touch to update you on progress as we get nearer the unveiling of the statues, but in the meantime, please visit http://www.sirkeithpark.com for further details.
Best wishes,
Terry Smith
Chairman
Sir Keith Park Memorial Campaign