A statue for Belloc?

The Rev Nick Flint, author of Walking Backwards With Belloc, writes:

''There has been much debate in the local Horsham paper about a commemorative fountain which has been beset with problems and become too expensive to maintain. To the question what should replace it I have written to the paper, slightly tongue in cheek, with the suggestion of a statue of Belloc. The more I think about it however, the more I think the idea has some merit.

I wonder if the Bellocians who support the blog might think there is mileage in putting this forward as a ‘concrete’ suggestion!?''

I would encourage readers of this Blog to contact Jonathan Chowen (who is the Cabinet Member for Arts, Heritage and Leisure on the Council) with the aforementioned purpose in mind:

E-mail: Jonathan.Chowen@horsham.gov.uk

I feel that it would also be beneficial to write to West Sussex Council about the matter as well:

The Chairman of the Council is Mrs Amanda Jupp:

Email: amanda.jupp@westsussex.gov.uk

If you are looking for some inspiration I have reproduced Nick's newspaper letter, in full, for your delectation:

''I have been following the debate about the future of the Shelley Fountain with interest and would like to contribute a suggestion. Having researched the subject of Hilaire Belloc for a book which I wrote last year, it seems to me that a statue of this Sussex writer, poet and eccentric would be the perfect answer to the current quandary as to what should dominate the site at the end of West Street. With due respect to Shelley of Warnham to the west and no offence to the Colgate dragon from east of the town, I suggest we cast our eyes south for inspiration. Belloc had respect for local tradition, and was famous for bribing railway station announcers to pronounce the name of the town Horse Ham. But, praying forgiveness of that accomplished versifier and with apologies to readers of the County Times, it seems apt to make my case in rhyme: 

The cost of honouring poet Percy

Year on year is getting worse, see?

Most agree this washed up feature

Has become s sorry creature.

Oh Dear! Horsham's collective frown

Cries for better in the town;

Something at home in the Tate?

Daleks screaming exterminate?

Maybe that's too avant garde

But, there is another bard

Who bestrode our local history

It's obvious! No need for mystery.

Hilaire Belloc of Kingsland

On that plinth should proudly stand -

Writer of Cautionary Tales,

Quaffer of fine Sussex ales

Let's commemorate 'Old Thunder',

Leave behind the Shelley blunder

To get the project off the ground

I'll be the first to pledge a pound!''

Nick Flint