A VITAL part of Kingswood’s commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the end of World War Two has been returned.
A crocheted model of a Lancaster Bomber aircraft, which formed part of a postbox topper in the town centre for VE Day, was stolen within hours of being put on show.
It was replaced for the event in May by three smaller replica planes but the theft saddened many residents, as well as the group of crafters from Yarn and Yardage in the indoor market, who created the display.
Kate Reed, who took three weeks to make the Lancaster, posted on social media: “As a history teacher and with both of my grandfathers serving in WWII, one in the Navy and the other as a Rear Gunner for the RAF, I knew I wanted to make the Lancaster for the top of one of the two boxes. It was a little way I could give a nod of respect and commemoration to my Gramps and Pap.
“To say that we, as a team, are devastated is an understatement. We want to bring a little joy to our local High Street and to have such a poignant memorial removed without any consideration for their purpose, or time given to create them has left me absolutely gutted.”
Sean Rhodes, a town councillor and South Gloucestershire Council cabinet member, made a video appeal for the culprit to return the Lancaster in time for the VE Day event, but to no avail.
However, the theft was captured on CCTV so, after some painstaking work by Kings Chase shopping centre manager Kadir and his security staff, neighbourhood police and the town council, the perpetrator was identified and the aircraft recovered unharmed.
The policing team posted on Facebook: “Today the Kingswood Neighbourhood Team were able to reunite the stolen Lancaster Bomber post box topper with its rightful owner. Staff at Yarn & Yardage were absolutely delighted to have it returned and the person responsible for taking it, is extremely sorry for their actions and has been dealt with accordingly.”
Councillor Rhodes said: “The theft was painful in more ways than just the loss of a piece of artwork. It was intended as part of our community commemoration of VE Day and it was a symbol of the regeneration of Kingswood. I am so pleased that the Lancaster is now back where it belongs. Kingswood deserves to have wonderful works of art displayed for all to see.”