On Air Now

Monday Breakfast

7:00am - 10:00am

Now Playing

Oasis

She's Electric

Victoria Wood statue returns to Bury town centre

At the re-unveiling of the Victoria Wood statue are (from left) Cllr Charlotte Morris; Chris Foote-Wood; the Mayor and Mayoress, Cllr Khalid Hussain and Mrs Carol Bernstein.

A memorial statue of the beloved Bury actress and comedian Victoria Wood has been reinstated in Bury town centre.

The statue was knocked over in a traffic accident last summer, but has today resumed its place at the Unitarian Church Gardens.

The full-size bronze statue - a joint project of Bury Council and Victoria’s estate – was created by sculptor Graham Ibbeson. It was originally funded in part by a Crowdfunding appeal set up by Victoria’s brother Chris Foote-Wood. Many donations were received from Victoria’s fans from Bury and beyond.

Mr Foote-Wood was among those at today’s re-unveiling along with the Mayor of Bury, Councillor Khalid Hussain.

He said: “Victoria died at the peak of her powers, and it’s great to remember her in the heart of Bury – right opposite the library which she was a member of, and once sent a cheque to for the overdue books she hadn’t returned!

“I did get a shock when someone called me and said my sister had been knocked down! But I’m grateful to the council for sorting everything out, and at no cost to the taxpayer.

“To amend the Sinatra song New York, New York – ‘Victoria Wood, so good, we unveiled her twice!’”

Councillor Charlotte Morris, cabinet member for culture and economy, said: “I am delighted to see Victoria Wood’s statue return to the town centre in Bury.

“Victoria Wood was a national treasure, and we are proud to call her one of our own. She was much-loved across Bury and beyond for her comedy, talent, and positivity. I hope that the statue continues to provide inspiration to all our budding Bury comedians, and serve as a loving memorial for her family, friends, and fans.”

Today’s event also featured brass band music from members of Bury Music Service, and the statue was blessed by the Rev Kate Brady McKenna, minister of Bury Unitarian Church.

Donate to Roch Valley Radio

 

Do you have a story for us? Want to tell us about something happening in our Borough?

Let us know by emailing newsdesk@rochvalleyradio.com

All contact will be treated in confidence.

More from Local News

Comments

Add a comment

Log in to the club or enter your details below.

Donate to Roch Valley Radio

 

Recently Played

Newsletter

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our newsletter and stay updated.

   

Coming up next On Air

  • Monday Breakfast

    7:00am - 10:00am

    getting you out of bed and to work and school with great music and headlines.

  • Monday Morning Mix

    10:00am - Noon

    Join Alan Duckworth with a mix of all genres of music and general chat around book music, scooters and other social interests with a relaxing Smooth 15 minutes after the 11 o’clock news.

  • Lunchtime with Joe

    Noon - 2:00pm

    bringing you a wide mix of music and chat during your lunch break.

  • Monday Gospel

    2:00pm - 3:00pm

    with Mary Walsh bring you a wide-ranging gospel music from all over the world.

  • Monday Drivetime

    3:00pm - 6:00pm

    with Alexandra and James getting you home on your favourite Drivetime station.

  • Retro City

    6:00pm - 8:00pm

    Steven Cummiskey spends some time in Retro City, where we take you back to the good old days. Playing a variety of music, with some gems and obscurities. We also focus on what happens on this day, with number ones, birthday and TV shows airing.