A Clitheroe sculpture tells its story

I am sending you this update just in case you so enjoyed making a difference and delivering "Dandy" to the Ribble Valley, that you want to do it all over again. This time you can "bring back the hare" (Sir Hare, to be precise), who has been offered a really brilliant spot on the newly developed, beautiful Town Square of Rawtenstall, from where he will permanently be gazing across to the stunning "ROSS"(ie moorland) all around, linking town with country, industry with nature and people with place. All details can be found here: www.spacehive.com/bringbackthehare . Thank you for your support, Marjan

Almost a month on from the installation and unveiling of "Dandy", the team is completing the final tasks put forward as part of the crowdfund such as the creation of a flyer and a promotional video to bring visitors to Clitheroe. Ribble Valley Arts has posted background information on he sculpture on its site, for anyone interested go to: https://rvarts.co.uk/dandy/ The education pack , created by Jacqueline Harris, is about to be added for use in schools and for anyone working with young people. The sculpture has generated lots of interest locally, meanwhile. For those interested in seeing more of my work, please be invited to a Midsummer Pop-up Exhibition at Wyresdale Park, due to take place on Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 June. 10 am - 4 pm with a special evening event on Saturday 22nd, 6-9 pm. Find sculptures dotted around the grounds and come listen to some of the stories that inspired the sculptures, told by storyteller Jacqueline Harris, 7-7.30. I will be present throughout the weekend so do come and say hello! I hope to see you there, Marjan

We are making the final arrangements for the installation of the sculpture mid May and we want you celebrate it's arrival in Clitheroe with us. Together we will have made Dandy appear in Clitheroe's town centre! We imagined him, just like James Device did in 1612; we got a great location and the planning permission, we raised the funds, and we organised the installation. We could not have done it without the help and support of a host of people, businesses and organisations. This is our opportunity to say thank you to all involved and to celebrate together. Please note: this is a free, ticketed event. Numbers are limited so please RESERVE YOUR SPOT at the earliest opportunity by following this link: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/dandy-installation-celebration-tickets-882934911087?aff=oddtdtcreator This will be a festive occasion with a programme of events all about “the dog”. Tour-guide Simon Entwistle will take us back to 1612 to examine that encounter with James' "familiar spirit" and set the story in context. A poem written by local poet Alison Mc.Nulty, which gives voice to the dog, will be performed. The artist will tell us about the journey she made from sketchbook to the finished piece in steel. Light Refreshments will be served. The bar will be open where drinks can be purchased. We really do hope that you can join us! From the Dandy Crowdfund Team

So, together, we did it. We have raised £19,989! That is £311 over and above our aimed-for amount and so we can deliver what we set out to do and have some extra in the kitty for any extra costs or else extra flyers or workshops in schools. We have come to the end of the crowdfunding campaign - but not yet to the end of the project. The team is busy organising the installation, the flyers, the video, the interpretation board, the unveiling and...the party! Make a note in your diary for the evening of Thursday 16 May: you will receive an invitation shortly. Here is a personal and heart-felt THANK YOU to you for making this project possible. Marjan and the Fine and Dandy Team

We are now in the last week of crowdfunding, which means that there is still a chance for your friends and family to come on board and become a backer. While we have the essential funds for the sculpture to go ahead, any extras will make this project even better and will help it reach more people and bring more visitors to Clitheroe! All backers will be kept up to date with the installation, and will be invited to the launch event - due to be announced shortly. Also, they will forever have the satisfaction that they helped "make him appear"! Kathryn Rogers, Arts Development Officer for Ribble Valley Borough County, believes the sculpture does more than tell an old story in a new way and is looking forward to its installation in Clitheroe's Town Centre.