Formby statue set for move
George Formby is on the move - because he has proved so popular!
Campaigners, including the George Formby Society have won their fight to have the bronzed statue of their moved to a more prominent place in the Grand Arcade.
The statue will be relocated to the central area adjacent to the Grand Arcade Customer Service Desk, to coincide with George Formby's 105th Birthday Anniversary in May.
It is expected the statue will be moved from the Grand Arcade's New Lanes spot by the Millgate entrance from Concert Square on Saturday May 23.
The bronzed statue of George Formby was placed in its present area of Grand Arcade during the centre's opening year of 2007.
It was mainly paid for by the society, Arcade owners Modus and Brighter Borough fund contributions from a number of local councillors.
Celebrities Sir Ian McKellen, Ken Dodd and Sir Andrew Lloyd-Webber also contributed to the cost.
George Formby fans had joined a campaign started last year with the George Formby Society, to demand the statue have a more visible location for visitors and the Wigan community to enjoy.
Gerry Mawdsley, the Wigan born President of the George Formby Society, said: "George has been in a few tight spots during his film career, at the end he always managed to win the day.
"It looks like he has come out on top again, thanks to John Sanson and his colleagues at Grand Arcade and Modus.
"When we asked Modus in 2008 if there was a chance of moving him, we were delighted when they agreed. I am sure lots of people in Wigan will applaud this wonderful news."
John Sanson, Grand Arcade centre manager, said: "As a lifelong George Formby fan, I am delighted to be making this announcement in regards to the move of the commemorative statue on George's birthday – it'll be a celebration for the community of Grand Arcade and George Formby fans alike."
In conjunction with the move of the George Formby statue, the Grand Arcade is launching a competition to invite the community of Wigan to design and send George birthday cards for his 105th birthday.
The best cards will be displayed by the statue during his birthday period and a winning prize will be on offer.
For more information, visit the Customer Service Desk.
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Weather for Wigan
Thursday 02 September 2010
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