How you can help fund Bobby Ball tribute

A fund-raising target of £100,000 has been set to make a lasting tribute to the comedy legend in his adopted home town of Lytham a reality.

The aim is for the statue to be placed in Lowther Gardens and contributions to the public subscriptions appeal are being invited via a Just Giving site on the internet.

It can be accessed at www.justgiving.com/campaign/bobbyballstatue

Bobby, who died in October, aged 76, was a patron of Lowther Pavilion, the theatre set in the Gardens, and had performed at the venue many times, including the staging of the first play he wrote, ‘Rock Off Tommy’.

He was also part of the team which spearheaded the first fundraising efforts for the theatre and gardens.

In agreement with Bobby’s family, the statue will be cast in bronze and one and half times lifesize based on his 40th birthday appearance.

To fully capture his character, which so delighted audiences for so many years, the aim is for the figure to have on leg slightly forward, be slightly pulling on his right brace with his right thumb and have ‘a twinkle in his eye’.

The £100,000 will cover the costs of casting the statue in bronze and preparing the plinth.

The statue will be in the Gardens close to the theatre and Bobby’s widow Yvonne feels it is the ideal spot.

She said: “A walk and sit in Lowther Gardens was a favourite pastime but always ended up taking longer than anticipated and would turn into a ‘promote Lytham’ exercise, while Bobby happily chatted and let people know how lucky he felt to be living here.”

Fylde Council leader Coun Karen Buckley said: “We believe that Lowther Gardens is the perfect place for Bobby to be remembered and to remain part of the community as well as in our hearts.”

Tim Lince of the Lowther Trust said: “Bobby was more than just a local comedian for our theatre – he was a great supporter. He was a real community player and a great, great loss to Lowther. The volunteers, staff and everyone else are keen to see something done to honour his memory.”

Lowther Gardens is currently hosting the panto Jack and The Beanstalk as a drive-in event until December 30.

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