Eric Morecambe Hide Opened
Feature from 2012
Grand opening.
Gail at the hide.
It is a replacement of the original 1986 hide, opened by Eric`s wife Joan, which recently succumbed to the elements after many years of wind, rain and high tides. Gail Stuart opened the new hide which has been funded by Heritage Lottery Fund, Lancashire Environment Fund and Higher Level Stewardship.
Annabel Rushton, Marketing Officer at RSPB Leighton Moss said: “Although many people remember Eric Morecambe for his comedy genius as one half of the award winning double act Morecambe and Wise, fewer people are aware that Eric was a keen bird watcher. When he sadly passed away in 1984, Lancaster City Council and the South Lakeland RSPB local members group provided funding for a hide to be built in tribute to him and his love of birds.”
For over 25 years the original Eric Morecambe hide overlooked the saltmarsh area of Leighton Moss, giving hundreds of thousands of visitors spectacular views over Morecambe Bay and its stunning wildlife, including breeding avocets, the emblem of the RSPB. The new hide, which has been constructed by Gilleard Bros Ltd from Lincolnshire, has more space, wheelchair access and, with much larger windows, boasts even better views over the Bay.
Annabel added: “In celebration of the completion of this fantastic new hide, we held a grand opening on Saturday, and we were delighted that the guest of honour was Eric’s daughter Gail, who came along to cut the ribbon and joined in the celebrations to pay tribute to her father. An added surprise was that Eric’s chauffeur Mike Fountain also came along, as well as an Eric Morecambe impersonator Bob More!”
You can see more photographs from the opening
in our Gallery.
© RSPB/morecambeandwise.com 2012