James Hale Obituary, Death – Flambards in Helston was transformed into what it is today by James Kingsford-Hale, who expanded upon the Cornwall Aero Park that his parents Douglas and Audrey had founded. He was an avid fundraiser for charities, raising tens of thousands of pounds for various causes over the years through Flambards and sporting events. Now scheduled for next Wednesday, November 16, is his funeral. At 11 a.m., it will take place at Treswithian Downs Crematorium, and a wake will follow at Mullion Golf Club. Donations can also be made online at funeral-notices.co.uk/notice/kingsford-hale/5078158 for Cornwall Air Ambulance.
On October 25, James passed away abruptly and suddenly at his Mullion home. His family would want to express their gratitude to the Mullion Fire Service co-responders for all that they accomplished that evening. Susie, his daughter, claimed that since she had only that afternoon spoken to him, the news came as a huge shock to the entire family. He had a strong personality and was a gentleman, she claimed. He left a space in all of our hearts and was a loving man with a wicked sense of humor. James leaves behind his wife Kath, brother Mark, kids Luke, Matt, Susie, George, and Luke, as well as two grandchildren, Theo and Hattie.
Flambards, which his father Douglas, a commander in the Royal Navy, founded in 1976 as an aircraft museum, was transformed by James into a theme park with rides, including the renowned Hornet rollercoaster and log flume. The Victorian Village and Britain in the Blitz displays were added by his mother Audrey. Throughout his early years, he worked there during every summer break from Kelly College boarding school. He gained insight into every facet of the park’s management, from retail to catering. He took over as general manager in the late 1980s, and when his parents took a step back in the early to mid-1990s, he became managing director.
James decided to sell to an outside company and has been running his own gardening business for the past eight years as a result of her choice to move on and the mounting demands of managing the park. He had eight years to live at a slower pace, play golf, and do everything else he genuinely loved, according to Susie. “He liked Flambards, but he got to spend more time with his wife, his children, and grandchildren because it was such a strain. The terrible part is that he doesn’t get to watch them mature. Many others have paid tribute to him after his passing, including one who said: “It was a honor to have known James – a great gentleman with a wicked sense of humor,” and another who remembered his compassionate side by saying: “He always looked on the bright side of any circumstance.” When you needed it, a kind remark and genuine support.
