Tribute to James Kingsford-Hale of Flambards theme park Helston

James Kingsford-Hale made Flambards in Helston what it is today, transforming it from the Cornwall Aero Park started by his parents Douglas and Audrey into a fully-fledged theme park.

A dedicated charity supporter, he raised many thousands of pounds for a number of charities over the years with various fundraising through Flambards and sporting lunches.

His funeral will now take place next Wednesday, November 16. It will be held at Treswithian Downs Crematorium at 11am, followed by a wake at Mullion Golf Club.

Donations will be collected for Cornwall Air Ambulance, and can also be left online via funeral-notices.co.uk/notice/kingsford-hale/5078158

James died suddenly and unexpectedly at his home in Mullion on October 25. His family want to thank the co-responders from Mullion Fire Service for everything they did that evening.

His daughter Susie said it came as a massive shock for the whole family, having only spoken to him that afternoon.

She said: “He was a big personality and he was a gentleman. He was a kind man with a wicked sense of humour and he will leave a void in all of our hearts.”

James is survived by his wife Kath, brother Mark, children Susie, George, Luke and Matt, and grandchildren Theo and Hattie.

James with his grandchildren Theo and Hattie, only a month before he died (Image: Family picture)

James grew Flambards from what was initially an aircraft museum, started in 1976 by his father Douglas, a commander in the Royal Navy, into a theme park with rides, including its iconic Hornet rollercoaster and log flume. His mother Audrey added the Victorian Village and Britain in the Blitz exhibitions.

He worked there throughout his childhood, every summer holiday out of boarding school at Kelly College. It gave him an insight into all aspects of the running of the park, from retail to catering.

In the late 1980s he took over as general manager, followed in the early to mid-1990s by him becoming managing director as his parents took a step back.

His daughter Susie followed in his footsteps, working during the holidays from the age of 13 and later joining full time to manage the marketing.

A young James pictured with colleague John Stuart in the early days of Flambards (Image: Family picture)

Her decision to move on, coupled with the increasing pressures of running the park, saw James deciding to sell to an outside company and for the last eight years he has been running his own gardening business.

“He got eight years of a more relaxed pace of life, playing golf and doing all the things he absolutely loved,” said Susie. “He loved Flambards but it was a massive strain and he got to spend more time with his wife, his children and grandchildren.

“That’s the sad thing, he doesn’t get to see them grow up.”

His passing has prompted many tributes from the community, including one person who said: “It was a privilege to have known James – a true gentleman with a wicked sense of humour,” while another recalled his caring side, saying: “He always looked on the bright side of any situation. An encouraging word and heartfelt support when you needed it.”