AIM

Our aim is to create Football's memorial to the brave Lancaster crews that flew from the airfields of Lincolnshire and risked their lives for our freedom. We aim to transform the main stand of our stadium to create a mosaic which features the iconic Avro Lancaster Bomber and the historic Lincoln Cathedral, celebrating and commemorating the brave men that flew this historic aircraft. in World War Two. It will act as a lasting reminder to all football fans, whether from Lincoln, or further afield, of what these men sacrificed so that we have the freedom today to watch the teams that we love. Lincoln is the home of the Dambusters so there is no better place for this memorial to be based.

PROJECT

Lincoln City FC plan to create the mosaic by using different coloured seats which, when viewed from across the pitch, will reveal a picture of the Avro Lancaster with Lincoln Cathedral in the background. There are 5,681 seats, each one making up one piece of the picture. Once completed, the result will be amazing. Lincoln is steeped in heritage. It is famous for the Magna Carta; the Dambusters; Lincoln Cathedral; and the Red Arrows, as well as many other things. Graham Taylor, ex England Manager, started his managerial career here. Lincoln City Football Club has been in existence since 1884.

If we are going to create Football's tribute to the brave men and women that fought to preserve our freedom then we need enough fans to pledge otherwise this project will not happen. It is 70 years since the end of World War Two so there is no better time to create this enduring legacy and commemorate their bravery.

Once completed, football fans and supporters of aviation heritage will be able to visit the stand on non-match days, gaze at the panoramic view of Lincoln Cathedral, and quietly reflect on what these men and women of the Royal Air Force sacrificed so that we have the freedom today to watch our football teams.

PLEASE PLEDGE!

PLEDGES

If we reach our target of £150,000 then the project will start in June 2015 and should be finished before the start of the 2015/16 football season.

The target of £150,000 will provide the funding needed to create the mosaic and will also contribute in excess of £50,000 to Football Club funds. If, due to the generosity of football fans and aviation heritage enthusiasts, the target is exceeded then the additional funds raised will be used to secure the financial future of the Club and to make donations to aviation heritage projects in Lincolnshire.

Below are a number of pledge values starting from as little as £5. Everyone who pledges will receive recognition for their pledge and will be added to our Roll of Honour as well as receiving other benefits.

Show of support. Pledge £5 and you will receive:

Your name added to our Roll of Honour.

A letter of gratitude from the Club.

A smart lapel badge which will identify you as a supporter of Football's memorial.

Bronze. Pledge £40 and you will receive:

Your very own piece of this iconic mosaic depicting the blue sky over Lincoln.

A limited edition certificate identifying the piece of the mosaic that you own.

A smart bronze coloured lapel badge which will identify you as a supporter of Football's memorial.

An opportunity to attend the official unveiling and be part of a team photograph.

Your name added to our Roll of Honour.

A letter of gratitude from the Club.

Silver. Pledge £75 and you will receive:

Your very own piece of this iconic mosaic depicting the blue sky immediately surrounding the Avro Lancaster.

A limited edition certificate identifying the piece of the mosaic that you own.

A smart silver coloured lapel badge which will identify you as a supporter of Football's memorial.

An opportunity to attend the official unveiling and be part of a team photograph.

Your name added to our Roll of Honour.

A letter of gratitude from the Club.

Gold. Pledge £100 and you will receive:

Your very own piece of this iconic mosaic, including the DAMBUSTERS text; Lincoln Cathedral, the #IMPS text; the main body and the wingspan of the Avro Lancaster.

A limited edition certificate identifying the piece of the mosaic that you own.

A smart gold coloured lapel badge which will identify you as a supporter of Football's memorial.

An opportunity to attend the official unveiling and be part of a team photograph.

Your name added to our Roll of Honour.

A letter of gratitude from the Club.

2 tickets to watch any Lincoln City FC home league fixture during 2015/16.

Platinum. Pledge £250 and you will receive:

Your very own piece of this iconic mosaic, including the RAF roundel; the Avro Lancaster cockpit; the Rolls Royce Merlin engines (including the propellers).

A limited edition certificate identifying the piece of the mosaic that you own.

A smart platinum coloured lapel badge which will identify you as a supporter of Football's memorial.

An opportunity to attend the official unveiling and be part of a team photograph.

Your name added to our Roll of Honour.

A letter of gratitude from the Club.

2 VIP tickets to watch any Lincoln City FC home league fixture durning 2015/16.

INSPIRATION

The plane featured in the mosaic was painted by Lincolnshire-based artist Simon Atack, who has helped the Club create the design.

The image of the Lancaster is taken from Simon’s painting Hopgood’s Courageous Run, regarded by experts as the most authentic portrayal of a 617 Sqn. Lancaster in action, so far painted.

The original full painting portrays the attack on the Mohne Dam by 21-year-old Flt Lt John Vere “Hoppy” Hopgood in his plane nicknamed Mother. The story of Hopgood and his crew’s remarkable bravery embodies the spirit of the Dambusters. Hopgood was severely wounded in the head and most of his crew suffered terrible wounds when the aircraft was hit by flak over Holland, an hour before they even reached the dam. The Lancaster was also crippled with both her portside engines damaged.

Simon who lives near RAF Coningsby, sells his original works for around £10,000 and has sold six of his paintings to Oscar winning film director Peter Jackson. His work is also on display in galleries and museums around the world. He has donated his work to the Club for free.