Published: Thursday, 27th November, 2008 10:00am

Plans for a tribute to Sir Sydney get off the ground

by Inderdeep Bains

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PLANS for a life-size model of a Hawker Hurricane in Alexandra Gardens, as a tribute to the respected Windsorian who designed it, were given the green light this week.

Sir Sydney Camm, an aeronautical engineer who lived in Alma Road, designed the Hawker Hurricane fighter in 1934, as well as 52 other different types of aircraft.

The jet was used in the Battle of Britain and is said to have been a vital defence for the outnumbered Royal Air Forces.

Spokesman for The Sydney Camm Memorial Committee, Stuart Leigh-Davies said: "This is a fitting memorial for a local genius, an unassuming man who time and time again, when this country was in need saved its backside.

"This will serve as a reminder to the people of Windsor that the world's greatest aeronautical engineer was born in the town."

Mr Leigh-Davies presented the plans for the 9.55m by 12.19m Mark 1 Hurricane aircraft replica to Windsor's planning panel on Wednesday (26/11) at the Guildhall.

Councillors voted unanimously in support of the proposal. Cllr Colin Rayner said: "I'm delighted to support this application because it will enhance the wonderful Alexandra Gardens."

The memorial, which would be illuminated by four lamps, will be situated on the western end of Barry Avenue. It is expected to cost around £50,000 and could be in place as early as next summer. Sir Sydney, who died in 1966 at the age of 73, was knighted for his work in 1953.

The committee will now start working towards securing funding for the project.