Holmfirth Web and Summer Wine Online proudly supporting  Bill Owen Statue Memorial Trust Donations should be made payable to “Bill Owen Statue Memorial Trust” and posted to The Secretary, Holme Valley Business Association, 2 Hey Top, Cote Lane, Holmfirth, West Yorkshire HD9 2RP or alternatively money can be paid into Bank Account No. 11225154 sort code 402424 -  “Bill Owen Statue Memorial Trust”.  Many thanks for your support.

More details and images about the Bill Owen Statue Appeal


Your Frequently Asked Questions about the Statue Appeal 
Compiled by Tom Owen

NOTE: Tom is happy to answer any more questions regarding the statue appeal - please email them to the Summer Wine site via summerwinetv@yahoo.com

Why a statue? 

It is important to point out that not only are we aiming to create a
memorial to Bill Owen but also to "Last of the Summer Wine" itself and all
those wonderful regular characters who, sadly, are no longer with us. People
forget that this programme, which has been set in and around Holmfirth for
the past thirty two years is the longest running TV comedy series IN THE
WORLD - that is quite an achievement and all those who have participated in
the show should be recognised and where better than where it all began all
that time ago.

Bill was wonderful as Compo and often stole the show but it must never be
forgotten that success is only achieved by team work and everyone in "Last
of the Summer Wine" is and has been important elements whithin their own
right.

This memorial to all those in "Last of the Summer Wine" will be a focal
point for Holmfirth and will give fans and travellers a chance to sit in
Kings Head Gardens and reflect on this television phenomenon.

Finally, just as the statue of Eric Morecambe has done to the West Coast
resort, it will bring additional fans and tourists to Holmfirth increasing
the support given to shops and businesses. Bill would be very pleased to
know that !!


Why not a statue of other actors who have passed away, like Thora Hird?

Bill had a special love for Holmfirth, he not only lived here for several years but was always enthusiastic about supporting worthy causes in the town. He was always happy to lend his name to support a charity or youth project, such as Holmfirth Air Training Core and Kirkwood Hospice Appeal to name but a few.

Also, it was his wish to be buried in the town - only a short distance from the proposed site of the statue. That was how much he loved the area. Even though he was from London, he was known as an "adopted Yorkshireman."

We feel a statue would be right for this reason, to reflect his love of the town and people of Holmfirth.

However, as I said earlier, we want to remember other actors from the series who have sadly passed away. It is intended to have flagstones surrounding the statue engraved with the names of  other Summer Wine actors who have sadly passed away, including John Comer, Joe Gladwin, Danny O'Dea, Gordon Wharmby, Thora Hird and Tony Capstick.


How much will it all cost?

Our fundraising target is £50,000 - £35,000 of which will pay for the statue in Kings Head Gardens, Holmfirth. The rest will go towards youth projects in the town as well as revamping the Summer Wine exhibition, a project which Bill initiated and was very close to his heart.


Would it not be better for this money to be spent on other things like
children's projects?

There are already other sources of funding for these types of projects, council grants and such fourth.

Also, as I said earlier, the statue would help to bring money into Holmfirth, which will benefit the town and people.


Where are you now with the fund raising?

We are off to a fantastic start. Thanks to the persistence of Holme Valley Business Association, we have planning permission for the statue. Money is coming in thanks to generous support from fans, individuals at home and abroad.

We received a generous $2,000 donation from a USA fan via the Summer Wine website together with lots of smaller donations which are all really appreciated.

During March, I met with business people in the town and there was overwhelming support, including many pledges of cash.

Members of the business association are already looking at a number of specific fund raising events.

In the main part, we shall be looking for local sponsorship. But personal donations, no matter how much, will be more than gratefully received. A Charitable Trust has been formed to receive all donations - The Bill Owen Memorial Trust and the bank is HSBC in Holmfirth.  Details of how to donate are at the foot of the page.


How do you think Bill would have felt about a statue?

This is fundamentally the most important question. My dad was my best mate
and I knew him very well. He would be over the moon to know what was
happening. because of the deep love he had for Holmfirth and the Valley
itself, he would be deeply touched to be remembered this way.

If I did not believe that in my heart, I would not be pursuing this
campaign.



STATUE APPEAL: Donations should be made payable to "Bill Owen Statue Memorial Trust" and posted to The Secretary, Holme Valley Business Association, 2 Hey Top, Cote Lane, Holmfirth, West Yorkshire HD9 2RP or alternatively money can be paid into Bank Account No. 11225154 sort code 402424 -  "Bill Owen Statue Memorial Trust".