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Restoration Donation
Adamaged sculpture of aheroic soldier from Wolstanton has been restored to its former glory thanks to the generosity of alocal resident.
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Newcastle Borough Council has repaired the wood carvinghonouring Tom Brown Tivey who fought in the First World War and reinstated it at the award winning Brampton Park following a kind donation from regular visitor Colin Hepher.
Mr Hepher, who walks his dog at the park, contactedthe council recently to enquire about the popular sculpture and subsequently offered a financial contribution to help fix it.
Aspokesman for the council said: The 6ft 4in model had to be removed for safety reasons as the weatherhad weakenedthe base. It was creatively carved from the stump of a horse chestnut tree by sculptor Anthony Hammond as part of ajoint project between the council and theNorth Staffs Model Engineering Society which runs the miniature railway at the park tocommemorate the centenary of World War One. Tom courageously fought for the North Staffordshire Regiment, the LeicesterRegiment and the Northumberland Fusiliers.
Colin unveiled the reinforced carving in its new location, closer to the metal sculpture of borough-born author, feminist and war nurse Vera Brittain, late last week.
The 67-year-old said: I moved to the area in 2018 and Ive enjoyed visiting Brampton Park ever since. Its abeautiful place like an extendedgarden. Every morning Id see Tom and it would remind me of my visit to the war graves in Belgium which was avery moving experience. Then one dayhejustdisappeared. Aftera period of time Idecided to contact the council to find out what had happened to him. I was really happy to fund the repair work because it means residents and visitors can enjoy seeing him again. Its afantastic piece of art and Im glad Icould do something to help.
Councillor Jill Waring, Cabinet member for leisure, culture and heritage, added: Im absolutely delightedthat the sculpture of Tom Brown Tivey is back in its rightfulplace. Its lovely to see him standing proud in our beautiful park once again. Its avery fitting tributetoa local war hero and has certainly beenmissed. I would like to thank Mr Hepherfor his very generous donation. Its avery kind gesture and hopefully it means that visitors will be able to enjoy this thought-provoking masterpiece for many years to come.