Jon Egging Memorial sculpture on Saturday 22 August
The Mayor of Bournemouth, Cllr John Adams tied a red ribbon around the central trail of the Jon Egging Memorial sculpture on Thursday 20 August.
An uplifting mark of respect, the mayor hoped to be the first of many to honour Flt Lt Egging’s memory in this bright and colourful way, over the course of the four day Bournemouth Air Festival, which began later that day.
He was joined by Alainya Knipe of Glenmoor School for Girls and Kavan Latimer from Winton College, both aged 15, who have participated in the Jon Egging Trust’s Blue Skies Programme, set up in Jon’s memory.
The Mayor commented, “This is the first year that we have tied ribbons instead of laying a wreath. After consulting with Flt Lt Egging’s family, it was agreed that tying a ribbon is a positive reflection on Jon’s life, and presents an opportunity for others to participate and tie their own ribbons as a mark of respect, remembrance and thanks.”
Jon’s widow, Emma Egging, thanks the people of Bournemouth for their continued love and support, saying, “Four years on we are so grateful for the funds that have been raised for the Jon Egging Trust so that we can realise Jon’s dream of helping young people to overcome adversity and achieve their full potential. We have gone from strength to strength.
“Here in Bournemouth we have put young people from Glenmoor and Winton Academies and Bourne Academy through our Blue Skies Programme and it has really transformed their outlook and aspirations.”
Blue Skies participant Kavan Latimer, from Winton College said, “The Jon Egging Trust has helped me become better at being a leader. I’ve learnt lots of skills and how to work in a team.”
Alainya Knipe added, “What’s so good about the Jon Egging Trust is that it’s an organisation that helps all sorts of children to achieve.”
Emma adds, “This year we have also connected with other schools in the Dorset region through our Inspirational Outreach programme, helping us to work with a further 1,000 young people each year. We have had ongoing support from the MOD, RAF, Navy and Wessex Archaeology, so a big thank you to them. We also feel lucky and grateful for the support of new partners this year, namely Cobham plc. and Bournemouth University. Without our local partners we really wouldn’t be able to make such a difference to young people’s lives in the county.”
Red Arrows pilot Jon Egging sadly died, aged 33, when his jet crashed following a display at the Bournemouth Air Festival in August 2011.
