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09
Jul
Ripon resident earns council's praise for hornblower idea
A Ripon resident's proposal for a life-size, bronze hornblower statue on Market Square, has been warmly welcomed by city councillors.
Antony Prince, who is chairman of the St Wilfrid's Procession Committee and a leading promoter of the city's history and its heritage assets, received unanimous support and praise for the idea that he presented at Monday's full city council meeting.
He pointed out:
Other statues at Yorkshire locations, including Blind Jack and Mother Shipton in Knaresborough, James Herriot in Thirsk and Fred Trueman in Skipton, demonstrate the power of public sculpture and I believe that a hornblower statue on Market Square would be of great cultural and economic benefit to Ripon.
It would serve as a permanent visual representation of the hornblower ceremony that can be seen 24 hours a day, not just each evening at 9pm, when people gather near the obelisk to see and hear the setting of the watch.
Former city mayor, Councillor Sid Hawke, said:
I think it's a brilliant idea. The statue would definitely bring more visitors to the city,
City council leader Andrew Williams, added:
It's a wonderful idea and has my wholehearted support.
It would enhance Market Square, add to the visitor experience and help us to promote the history of the city.
After the meeting, Mr Prince told the Stray Ferret:
At this stage it's just an idea, but I was very pleased with the response it received from the council.
To make it happen, there's still a long way to go and a lot of people to speak with on matters ranging from planning to funding.
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