Doctor Who Tardis set to feature in Spalding Flower Parade – and is on show at town shop for photo opportunities

It took more than a sonic screwdriver to complete his latest project, but Spalding Flower Parade organiser Stephen Timewell is delighted with his replica Tardis.

He spent six months on the build, working in his back garden to create the life size version of the famous blue Police Phone Box which features in Doctor Who.

Standing almost eight feet tall, the Tardis - which stands for Time And Relative Dimension In Space and is a hybrid time machine and space craft – is made completely from wood, and has a base measuring around four feet square.

“I’m not a massive Doctor Who fan, but I do like watching the show occasionally,” says Stephen.

“The theme for Spalding Flower Parade 2024 is movies, and when I was talking to someone last year they suggested we ought to have a Doctor Who themed float in it.

“So, of course, that meant we needed a Tardis! I found the plans online and then it took me about six months to build from scratch. It spent the first few months blocking the light from our kitchen window and then came indoors when it needed painting.

Get the latest news to your inbox by signing up for The Briefing

“It’s full size – just like the ones in the TV show. It’s 99 per cent authentic. Mine’s a replica of the one used by the tenth doctor, played by David Tennant.

“There was no particular reason, other than I thought it was the most attractive. The colour was changed to black at one stage, but I prefer this blue version.”

Stephen’s Tardis has an opening cupboard complete with a bakelite telephone, lights and plays the Doctor Who Theme tune and Tardis sound effects.

The paint for the finished build was specially mixed at Andrew & Co, in Little London, to make sure Stephen had exactly the right shade of blue.

Check out our guide to 24 things to do in 2024 – which features Spalding Flower Parade

The build is sectional, and Stephen says it can easily be taken to pieces and put back together. The Tardis has been on display in Andrew’s for the past few weeks, where customers have been able take photos with it.

It regenerated across town recently and is now on display in Hughes, in Sheep Market, Spalding, waiting for more photo opportunities.

Once it has been used in the parade, Stephen says the Tardis will be kept for future events and will be available to hire for private functions including weddings and parties.