Jigsaw provides unexpected avenue to connect residents with history of RAF Sudbury during Second World War
The storied history of RAF Sudbury during the Second World War has found an unexpected avenue to a new generation, in the form of a jigsaw.
Jigsaw puzzles based on Seeing Jessie Home – a painting of a Boeing B-17 bomber flying over Sudbury – will be stocked at the town hall later this month, following a resurgence of interest in the image.
The original painting, which is displayed in Sudbury Heritage Centre, was created by commercial artist Steven Binks about four years ago, as a homage to the heritage of RAF Sudbury – the base of the American 486th Bombardment Group from 1944 to 1945.
It depicts a flying fortress known as Goin’ Jessie, which famously survived several near misses over the course of the Second World War.
Mr Binks, of Bures St Mary, said the image had previously been incorporated into a jigsaw in 2017, but he thought interest in it had petered out, after the painting was featured in the Vision of Sudbury art exhibition.
However, after a strong response to the launch of a puzzle depicting the historic Gestingthorpe Forge last autumn, he decided to revive Seeing Jessie Home, by popular demand.
“I thought it had run its course, but that’s not the case,” Mr Binks told Suffolk News. “There’s a whole new group of people who want to buy this puzzle
“It’s almost 80 years since the airfield came into operation.
“It’s coming to the point where there’s hardly anyone left with a connection to the airfield, because it’s so long ago. I don’t know how many people are left from those who were stationed at the airfield.
“So many school kids might not even know there was an airfield in Sudbury. It’s just making people more aware of their local history.
“I think the Covid lockdown has created a lot more interest in people wanting to do jigsaw puzzles. It’s something for all ages – school kids, middle-aged people, retired people – everyone seems to be interested in doing puzzles now.”
Copies of the puzzle will be available from Sudbury Tourist Information Centre after Easter, or by contacting Mr Binks directly on 07706 979222.
