MEET Tommy, the new inhabitant of the Market Place in Melksham.
On duty to help passing town residents commemorate and celebrate VE Day, this artistic installation is the culmination of discussions and planning between Richard Collet, the Town Council’s in-house horticulturalist and Melksham’s Town Clerk, Linda Roberts. It has been carefully designed and implemented by Richard, working with Paul Weymouth, the proprietor of lighting specialists, Light Fantastic, and the brains behind Melksham’s famous annual Christmas Lights.
“I was determined that the town should find a way to celebrate VE Day and at the same time, remember those who made the sacrifice so we had our freedom” said Linda Roberts, the Town Clerk, “but the current COVID-19 restrictions have made a conventional celebration event impossible. Nevertheless, we hope that Tommy, and this clever installation, will help lift the spirits of everyone who passes through the town.
Having worked on the project in the utmost secrecy, the unveiling of Tommy is a welcome surprise for local people. Tommy will reside in the Market Place until Remembrance Sunday, at which point a decision will be made about permanent residency in Melksham’s Market Place or the option of moving him to a new home in the town.
Local photographer, Linda De Santiz was on hand to record the unveiling and a selection of her photographs are included with permission to use and a request for an acknowledgement.
