Dawlish Discussion

Sometime back we had a discussion on here about a sculpture or something similar being in Dawlish as a tourist attraction. I think it was the arrival of 'Verity' in Ilfracombe that sparked off that debate. Since that time we have had other discussion concerning a piece of art commemorating the storms last winter and the effect they had on the railway.

I have just received the minutes of the May meeting of the Dawlish Chamber of Trade. Here is an extract.: 

"Statue of Happiness

Local author and artist Mike Nance has offered his ‘Statue of Happiness’ to Dawlish. Mike believes that the statue, standing 17ft 6” tall would bring people in from all over and could help put Dawlish on the map (in the same way that ‘Verity’ has in Ilfracombe). Mike has offered the mould and his labour for free.  Mike agreed to find out how much the material would cost and is asking if somebody will sponsor it.

What are your thoughts on the Statue of Happiness?You may have seen it around town on a trailer."

As I couldn't recall anything about concerning this Statue of Happiness I looked it up. This is what I found   http://www.teignmouth-today.co.uk/news.cfm?id=4211

Thank you for your kind offer Mr Nance, but no.

Why not put that lady from queen st charity shop in the middle of the lawn, she got an award for being happy or something like that.

Mr Nance = no idea havent seen it, thanks for your offer of free labour

Please please do not involve Nance in any plans that involve a statue. There are very good reasons why his attempt to foist the awful mermaid statue upon Teignmouth and the hideous Princess on Bovey, have failed. Please do not be persuaded by his offer of free labour!

Oh yes, I can see that people would flock here to see it.  I'm afraid not. 

Maybe due it size we could open up the centre and use it as the new pavillion on the lawn. I'm sure people would come from all over the world to wait for her to open. 

hmm @Brooklyn Bridge i too thought about that mermaid statue!  not sure about the happiness statue either ...

Verity was very controversial when she was placed on the harbour in Illfracombe so i went to visit for the day and have a look very impressive i thought. Now if we could have a sculpture like Verity a little controversial so folk would be curios and come and have a look,  my thoughts on the statue of happines landfill comes to mind.