DONAGHADEE’S shorefront has been transformed by the appearance of an aeronautical legend to commemorate VE Day.
A Spitfire now soars, though just above ground level, at the town’s War Memorial, after being lovingly crafted out of recycled materials by local man Harry Wilson, ahead of next month’s events to mark Victory in Europe in 1945.
The iconic World War II fighter plane has been created out of everything from children’s bicycles, tin cans and kitchen extractor chimneys, in a bid to also impress the judges of this year’s RHS Britain in Bloom 2025 competition as they prepare to bestow their annual awards which celebrate horticultural excellence, community participation and environmentally sustainable practices.
The Spitfire model sits atop an RAF roundel, which will soon be brought to life with a vibrant red, white and blue floral display, as the weather warms.
Two interpretive panels accompany the installation, one detailing the history and significance of the Spitfire during the war, and the other showcasing the range of recycled materials repurposed in its construction.
As one of just three towns from Northern Ireland competing in the 2025 contest, Donaghadee wanted to showcase its dedication to community pride, creativity, and ecological responsibility by the creation of such an eye-catching model.
With a stunning seaside backdrop, the Spitfire installation aims to capture the imagination of residents and visitors, providing a powerful visual reminder of history while celebrating a greener future.
The unusual replica of the single-seat aircraft made famous by the Royal Air Force which is now on show on Donaghadee’s promenade, is a testament to what can be made out of objects that would normally end up in the dump.
Harry said he used recycled items to commemorate VE Day from his kitchen refurbishment business, Dee Light Furniture Facelifts NI.
A member of the Donaghadee Community Development Association (DCDA), Harry said the group tasked him to create the small plane after it secured a grant from Ards and North Down Council to come up with an interesting and novel way of marking 80 years since VE Day.
“It’s made out of 25 litre paint thinning drums, from the paint that I use in my business, and part of the extractor chimneys from old kitchens because they’re stainless steel,” he revealed.
Using soft drink tin cans too, Harry said ’the perspex for the cockpit came from my greenhouse and I heated it to shape it for that’.
“They gathered up bicycles for me and wee kiddies bicycles wheels were used too, and really just as much recycled material that I could use from my business.”
“The council very kindly gave us money for the project,” he said. “It’s been an incredible experience bringing this piece to life. The Spitfire is a symbol of resilience and ingenuity, and I wanted to reflect that spirit by giving new purpose to old materials. It’s a reminder that sustainability and heritage can go hand in hand.”
Harry’s efforts to promote recycling know no bounds, and he is already preparing for another project – recycling damaged wheelie bins to create tiered containers, which he intends to plant with fruit and vegetables as part of the “Eat Five a Day” promotion.
Members of the public will be encouraged to pick whatever they want, to hammer home the goodness from fresh produce.
He explained: “We’ve all heard the message about eating five portions of fruit and veg a day, so why not make it as easy as possible? By turning discarded bins into planters, we’re not only reducing waste but also making fresh produce available to everyone in the community.”
Visiting the Spitfire display this week, the Mayor of Ards and North Down, Alistair Cathcart, paid tribute to Harry’s innovative display.
“This project is a fantastic example of how creativity and sustainability can come together to benefit the entire community,” he said.
“Harry’s work not only celebrates our heritage but also reinforces the importance of recycling and green initiatives. It’s inspiring to see such a unique and meaningful addition to Donaghadee’s Britain in Bloom entry.”
