CREATIVE school pupils have teamed up with artist Tim Ward to start work on a stunning tribute to Red Arrow pilot Jon Egging.
The youngsters at Kinson Primary School were joined by Jon’s widow Dr Emma Egging and his mother Dawn as they started producing 3D models of the Jon Egging memorial.
Flt Lt Egging tragically lost his life when his plane crashed in fields in north Bourne-mouth following a display at last year’s Bournemouth Air Festival.
Together, his family and Bournemouth council asked school pupils to help design a memorial to Jon that will be installed on Bournemouth’s East Cliff ahead of this year’s air festival.
Two Kinson School pupils Penny Vallier and George Cutler won the competition and their design, along with those from Oakmead, Elmrise and St Walburga’s, will provide the inspiration for the memorial.
Tim has used elements of their designs in his plan for a stunning 5m high sculpture of stainless steel and glass. This will feature three soaring Red Arrows, symbolising a love of flying, teamwork and achievement.
He said: “It’s been great working with the children here. You can see they have come up with some great ideas. They’ve been continuing to work even when I’m not here and that just shows their enthusiasm and the standard of the work they have done.”
And Emma said: “Tim’s design has surprised me because it’s still maintained the essence of the young people’s work and that was really important. He’s realised their artwork rather than changed it.
“It’s a nod to the Red Arrows and a tribute to the team as well as being something special for Jon.
Penny, 10, said: “It’s been really fun, Tim’s work is amazing, the memorial will look great.”
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