A public appeal to raise funds for a statue of Bobby Moore has been launched in his home town of Barking. It aims to raise almost £160,000 to cover the costs of commissioning, casting and erecting the monument.Barking and Dagenham council leader Darren Rodwell launched the campaign alongside Roberta Moore, daughter of the late ex-West Ham captain.
The campaign says: “We need your help to erect the people’s statue in honour of Bobby Moore, West Ham and England’s only World Cup winning captain in his home town of Barking. We are seeking donations to make it happen.”
“We are calling on the public, who have long held Barking’s Bobby Moore’s titanic achievements in their heart, to show their appreciation for this national hero by helping us raise money to build a statue in his honour.
He is a national icon. The pinnacle of his career and the country’s greatest footballing moment is forever frozen in time in one iconic image captured on that historic summer’s day in 1966. Barking born and West Ham legend Bobby led England to its greatest ever footballing triumph at the height of the swinging 60’s.
We are yet to request planning permission but will do so once the fundraising is completed as we will open a design competition to the public. If planning permission is not granted no pledges will be collected.
What we’ll deliver:
- Build a lasting monument to Bobby Moore in his home town
Why it’s a great idea:
Bobby Moore is a national and international figure of historical significance. Our statue will act as a beacon of civic pride for our residents and as an aspirational and inspiring symbol for our community. Bobby Moore was more than just a footballer, he was an ambassador for the sport and his home town. We will use the statue to help inspire and educate future stars.
Steps to get it done:
- Apply for planning permission
Get planning approval- Appoint contractor
- Start on site
- Practical completion
- Launch
We propose to commission the “people’s statue” – a monument to stand at the gateway to the town where Bobby was born. As Russell Brand says in the soon to be released film, Bo66y –The Movie, “Some are knighted by monarchs. Others are knighted by the people.” Bobby or Sir Bobby as he is often referred to falls in to that category and that is why we are passionate about honouring his achievement. Please support our bid.”
You can find the appeal HERE
Use some of the money raised by selling all the tat from the stadium to erect the statue. Get the club to give the man the continued recognition he deserves.
I visit the cemetery several times a year and have always felt there should be something more fitting there rather than anywhere else, the marble slab under a magnolia tree is ok but unless you know where to look you’d never know he was there, a bust of the great man there would be far better than Barking where few of the residents would understand the true stature of the man…
I remember delivering Christmas Post to his house in Chigwell in the sixties – Stradbroke Drive I think it was – what about a Blue Plaque on the house to commemorate the great man.
I keep on thinking people should press for a postumous Knighthood!