WITHAM GROUP PROUD TO SUPPORT THE “ON FREEDOM’S WINGS” PROJECT, NOW SOARING HIGH

We are incredibly proud to share a momentous milestone for a project that has been close to our hearts for years which is the completion of the “On Freedom’s Wings” Lancaster Bomber sculpture, now erected on the A46 in Lincolnshire, near Norton Disney. After 8 years of hard work and dedication, this iconic tribute now stands tall and proud, a symbol of remembrance and a gateway to Lincolnshire, “Bomber County.”

From the very beginning, Witham Group has been honoured to play a part in bringing this vision to life. From donating the paint to Ali Bottom, supporting the fundraising committee, the sculpture honours the RAF crews of World War II and is close to the former site of the old RAF Swinderby, which from 1942 onwards, was the home of the 50 Squadron flying Lancaster bombers. “On Freedoms Wings” is a full-size representation of an Avro Lancaster Mk1 bomber, with each wing reaching to over 47 feet and tilted to give the impression of the plane banking as it approaches the old airfield two miles away.

On Freedom’s Wings installation with flypast from Lancaster PA474

As a Lincolnshire-based company, we understand the deep connection our county has to its aviation history and the immense sacrifice of those who served in Bomber Command during World War II. Our involvement in this project was more than just a contribution; we are so proud to help preserve our local heritage and honour those who gave everything for our freedom. And have been honoured to proud to supply the paint that for the stanchions that supports the sculpture’s core steel structure.

Many of our customers were also involved in the project; A convoy of lorries carried the structure from Timmins Engineering & Construction Ltd, near Market Rasen where the outer skin was fabricated in Corten steel, to the site. Cranes and transport from Hutchinson Engineering Ltd, were used to lift it into place and over the next 48 hours the Lancaster was safely secured in place. Charlie White, the landowner and farming customer, who donated the land to the project and has been Chair of the charity is also one of our customers and said it was “fantastic” to see the sculpture go up after nearly eight years of work “I can’t believe it,” he added.

It has taken the Bomber Country Gateway Trust many years of fundraising, planning and volunteers’ hard work to arrive at this point, where thousands of motorists who drive between Newark and Lincoln each day will see the sculpture. While the site is still being prepared for visitors, it will soon be open to the public as a striking landmark on the A46 and is truly a sight to behold. We are thrilled to have played a small part in this amazing project which leaves a long-lasting legacy for many years to come.