Employees of the highway safety and road marking specialist, WJ Group, have volunteered their time and expertise to help clean and refurbish the Reginald Mitchell Way Spitfire and Walrus Seaplane displays in Stoke-on-Trent.
The two planes were designed by artist Magnus Irvin for Reginald Mitchell, the British aircraft designer, to celebrate his contribution in designing the Supermarine Spitfire and the Walrus Seaplane which were both used during the Second World War.
Since their unveiling in 1996, the Spitfire and Walrus monuments on Reginald Mitchell Way had started to become overgrown, with cracks developing within the surface. Alongside this, the paint had started to fade due to continuous exposure to the elements.
Spearheaded by local employee and WJ Contract Supervisor, Damian West, the team spoke to the council to gain its permission to carry out the renovation project. With its approval, WJ started preparing to repair the monuments.
The work was undertaken through its Thinking Community initiative, which allows employees to complete charitable work while still being paid and receiving support from the company, such as funding or using its equipment and materials.
Over the course of a week, the team removed approximately four tonnes of overgrowth from the edges of the display and used a high-powered push along pressure washer to remove any built-up grime. After repairing the cracks in the surface, specialist paint was used on the letters and symbols to brighten the artwork.
Gaining support in the local news and on social media, the rejuvenation of the Spitfire and Walrus seaplane monument was greatly appreciated by the local community, who watched the progression of the project online.
Damian West, Contract Supervisor at WJ said: “The Spitfire and Walus monuments celebrate the heritage of a local man who had a significant impact on aeroplane design, so seeing it not looking its best was a shame. Thanks to our Thinking Community initiative, I was able to apply for our team to take the time and restore this piece of art that means so much to residents.
“It has been great to have seen such as positive response from Stoke-on-Trent locals who have followed our progress online and beeping their support as they drive past. I feel like we have made a positive mark on the community and paid thanks to a local legend.”
Cllr Amjid Wazir OBE, cabinet member for city pride, enforcement and sustainability added: “We were approached by the team at WJ Group, who were keen to give back to the local community. We agreed a location, and they set off to work using their own equipment and expertise.
“This has been great to see and the team of volunteers have done a splendid job. It’s wonderful to see local businesses champion the city this way, especially as we embark on our centenary year. Let’s have more of this. Be proud of where you live, work and visit.”
PIC-WJ GROUP
