Post by Stan Butler on Sept 27, 2006 16:01:31 GMT
TURNED OUT NICE AGAIN
WIGAN is finally to get a statue to its most famous son.
After years of frustration and set-backs, the way has been cleared for George Formby to be properly honoured in the town of his birth - 45 years after his death.
The music hall and movie megastar's younger brother today led the celebrations, calling it "wonderful news."
Ted Formby, 87, told the Wigan Observer, that despite battling cancer he would dearly love to perform the unveiling scheduled for George's birthday, May 26, next year.
Conservatives on Wigan Metro led the latest campaign for a statue to the ukulele strummer; the backbone of the idea being the pooling of local councillors' Brighter Borough Fund money to meet some the £35,000 cost.
The George Formby Society has pledged £10,000 and Modus Properties, developer of the Grand Arcade where the statue will be erected, is also chipping in with £5,000.
The biggest obstacle to the plan appeared to be the Metro's Labour leader and deputy leader, Lord Smith and Coun John O'Neill, who decide whether Brighter Borough applications meet the correct criteria.
Now they have given their seal of approval sculptor Amanda Barton, who created the famous Formby statue on the Isle of Man, can press ahead with her creation.
Formby was Britain's biggest box office attraction during the 1930s and '40s - but in Wigan opinion is divided about him.
Some say he was over-rated and that his "gormless Northerner" act did more harm than good when putting Wigan on the map.
Indeed this, and the fact that Wigan is trying to re-invent itself as a modern, forward-looking borough, have been the council's reaction when previous statue ideas have been ventured.
But supporters say it is only right to celebrate such a big star, especially as he never forgot his roots. They also argue that many comedians play the fool in front of an audience - that's how they get laughs - and that a statue to Eric Morecambe is proving his home resort's biggest attraction these days.
The later view appears to have prevailed. Ted Formby said today: "I am so pleased it is finally going to happen. It has always struck me as strange that the town where George was born has only had a blue plaque up until now.
"I am only sorry there are so few of his family left to celebrate. The rest of his brothers and sisters, as well as mum and dad of course, have all gone and I am not in too good a shape myself.
"But I would really love to take up the offer of coming over for the unveiling next May, if I am well enough."
Tory councillor Gareth Fairhurst was able to get confirmation in time for an announcement to be made at last weekend's George Formby Society convention in Blackpool.
Retiring President Dennis Lee said: "This was a dream that I thought would never happen. I cannot believe it. When I first met with Coun Fairhurst in Blackpool over a year ago I thought we would never get it and I even went to say to him, in front of the committee, that if he can get this to go ahead I would vote Conservative! Not an easy thing for Yorkshire man to say."
New president Gerry Mawdsley said: "It is marvellous news that this is finally happening in Wigan, in the birth place of George Formby. This is something I have been trying to get for years."
Coun Fairhurst said: "We are delighted with recent developments. There have been personal and political obstructions to a statue in the past and we are pleased that we have been able to change minds."
Lord Smith said: "George Formby is one of the people who helped to put Wigan on the map. We can celebrate him without being a backward-looking authority."
