Statue unveiling marked ‘significant moment’ for town’s history – says Spalding and District Civic Society

Families and shoppers gathered to watch the grand unveiling of the towns’ new animal statues at the weekend.

Spalding and District Civic Society have introduced sculptures of Lincoln Red Cattle and Lincoln Long Wool Sheep as part of a project to celebrate the town’s agricultural heritage.

The statues, which received a £43,000 grant from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, were unveiled by South Holland and the Deepings MP Sir John Hayes during a ceremony on Saturday morning.

The event also included artisan markets and creative activities for members of the public to enjoy whilst in town.

Members of the civic society hope the new sculptures, which are part of the MARK-IT trail, can ‘bring history to life’.

John Bland, society chairman, was delighted with the event’s success.

He said: "It was joyful to watch children running around the sheep sculptures or even sitting on them. Some of the councillors also showed their inner childhood!

“It was just the kind of reception we had hoped for. They were designed with that in mind.

“Whilst the bull and heifer are much bigger so I would caution that people take care, it is also possible to sit on them as Graeme did on Saturday."

The seven sheep sculptures are located near the benches which sit between The Prior’s Oven and Pied Calf in Sheep Market, while the Lincoln Red bull and heifer on the pavement outside Longstaff’s in New Road.

Mr Bland told the crowds during a speech on the day, that this marked ‘a significant moment in the history of Spalding’.

He said on the day: “Many of you may have only seen and heard the sounds of farm animals on TV. Fewer of you will have experienced the smells.

“Regardless of where we are from, all our ancestors will have experienced the sights, sounds and smells of farm animals first hand.

“Whilst we cannot bring the sounds or the smells back into Spalding, the beautiful sculptures that will be unveiled shortly, will, I hope, help you to connect with the past that helped shape the town we live in today.”

He also thanked Spalding and District Civic Society team, South Holland District Council, Lincolnshire County Council, South Lincs Consulting Ltd, Graeme Mitcheson, Scott Thompson, Jamie Hawker and his team at JRH Services, Welland Print, Calthrops and Jordan Ravenhill.

Transported Art were also involved in this project and ran crafting activities on the day.

Programme director Nick Jones said: "We are delighted and grateful to all our partners and the public for making Saturday’s unveiling event such a success.

“The town centre had a wonderfully positive atmosphere, and it was a joy to see so many people — children, parents, and grandparents alike — taking part in our needle felting and stone painting activities.

“It was heartening to watch visitors engaging with the sculptures, whether by snapping pictures of the cattle or perching on the sheep.

“It's fantastic to see the public already embracing these new additions and viewing them as part of the town's landscape."

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