January 2026 Newsletter #21

HEADLINES:

The passing of Gary Brunt
Initiative #1 this year to recognise “The (New Zealand) Few”
Initiative #2 to publish two Children’s Books featuring Sir Keith Park
Joanne’s new photo book covering the full development of the statue now available

$16,000 still required to meet outstanding financial obligations for the Memorial
Battle of Britain 2026
Wings and Wheels 2026

GARY BRUNT:

The passing of SKPMA Inc. Committee Member – Gary Brunt – on 17th December, is noted with great sadness. Gary had been very supportive of the Memorial project in a variety of capacities and he will be greatly missed.

PROJECT INITIATIVE 2026 #1: “THE (NEW ZEALAND) FEW”

Planning is underway, with the support of Chris Fraser of Peninsular Memorials, to erect a complementary memorial for the New Zealand Airmen recognised as being of “The Few” for being part of the Battle of Britain.

This memorial will comprise three black granite tablets, arranged in an array under the Hurricane Fighter, and behind the statue of Sir Keith. This will augment the whole aura of the Sir Keith Park Memorial at the Thames Airfield.

The official period of qualification for “The Few” is considered as 10th July to 31st October 1940. At present, I am consulting several sources of data to arrive at a list to be displayed on the tablets. Numbers from such sources are in the range 127 to 145!

There are various sources of supporting information and newly accredited Airmen are added on rare occasions. Recent New Zealand recognitions are:

(then) Air Vice Marshal Sir Keith Rodney Park;
Flight Lieutenant Reginald D’Arcy Jury.

The plan is for the tablets to be unveiled at the Thames Battle of Britain Commemorations in September this year.

PROJECT INITIATIVE 2026 #2:

In parallel, development has started on two Children’s Books related to/featuring Sir Keith Park. One will be targeted at primary, the other at secondary school children. Michelle Mulholland and Sally Muir are fundamental to the delivery of this initiative. More in the next Newsletter.

JOANNE SULLIVAN’S LATEST BOOK:

This latest coffee table, photo book is now available through me. Apart from being an excellent record of the project from start to finish, there is a parallel theme showing the detail of the stages in making the statue, especially of the casting process. Fascinating – a must for Memorial supporters!!

RETRACING UNCLE’S FOOTSTEPS:

Towards the end of last year, Lesley Park travelled to the UK to spend Christmas with daughter Sarah and her family, and to retrace some of Uncle Keith’s steps. The photos below show Lesley in the:
Churchill Room at the RAF Club, Piccadilly, London with the portrait of Sir Keith which was unveiled September 2024.

Sitting in Sir Keith’s chair in the underground Uxbridge Battle of Britain Bunker, formerly used by No. 11 Group Fighter Command.

At the Battle of Britain Bunker Operations table: calendar showing the decisive date acknowledged as the turning point in the Battle of Britain.

At the Green Gate with Sarah. This is the entrance to Sir Keith’s residence through the Battle of Britain, across the pathway to the entrance to the underground Uxbridge Battle of Britain Bunker opposite.

BATTLE OF BRITAIN 2026:

Next year’s is scheduled for 11:00am Sunday 13th September 2026 at the Thames Airfield.

FINANCIAL:

Although the statue is there, and the Memorial has been completed and inaugurated, we still need about $16,000 to meet outstanding financial obligations. This needs to be addressed and settled before 31st March 2026.

Further funds will be required going into the future for maintenance, insurance and security – as well as for new initiatives to keep spreading the word about Sir Keith auspicious legacy – an inspiration to all young New Zealanders.

Please – donate now !!! Bank details on “Support” page.

Every donation – however large or small – will promptly receive a receipt, and remember that SKPMA Inc. is a registered charity so such donations will be tax deductible.