Eric Morecambe Day
Feature from 2014
All that remains
How it should be
Following the recent vandalism attack on the statue of Eric Morecambe there has been growing enthusiasm to see a further tribute to Eric in the resort.
A public meeting on Wednesday (October 22) organised by local radio station The Bay, was attended by sculptor Graham Ibbeson and his long time business associate Jim Cadman. Proposals were unveiled for a life size bronze wall relief of Eric and Ernie to be sited on Morecambe promenade along with plans for a special `Eric Morecambe Day` in July 2015.
Jim explained: `The galvanising effect that the attack on the statue has had, not only in the local community, but nationwide, has been truly inspirational.`
`There seems to be a great willingness to use this as a springboard for a way of further celebrating Eric`s memory and the joy he brought to his millions of fans and supporters throughout the world.`
`I will be pleased to manage and lead the project but we want to involve the local community at all levels because it`s only through their enthusiasm and support that we can achieve a lasting legacy for Morecambe`s favourite son.`
Gary Morecambe was pleased to endorse Jim Cadman`s proposals and said
`In a word these plans are FANTASTIC. In two words: REALLY FANTASTIC and my mother wants to come up to Morecambe for the second unveiling.`
`We all love the idea of an Eric Morecambe Day and the family will always make sure one or more of us is there to celebrate these Days with the people of Morecambe.`
A number of additional fundraising events will be announced in the coming weeks and these will include a Gala Dinner, a Variety Show, a Celebrity Auction, an Eric Morecambe Tribute Magazine plus a range of local community activities.
The fundraising plans for will be independent from the repair and reinstatement of the statue itself, the costs of which will be borne by Lancaster City Council and its insurers.
© morecambeandwise.com 2014