Paul Daniels rejects town statue 'campaign'
TV MAGICIAN Paul Daniels has spoken to the Leader about one resident's bizarre appeal for a statue of him in the town.
Last week, we printed a comical letter from an anonymous reader who claimed to have started a campaign for the iconic TV personality to be given a permanent monument in the town. The man, who asked not to be named, suggested it would be a good way of attracting more visitors to Mablethorpe.
Flattered by the suggestion Paul Daniels told us: "I don't think I am worthy of a statue, but thank you."
He went on to explain his historical connection to the town: "I was born in Middlesbrough but only because my mother wanted to be with her mother during the birth. A couple of weeks later we all moved back home to Mablethorpe where my father was a projectionist in a local cinema.
"We stayed there for the first 18 months of my life but the second World War broke out and my parents moved back to the north east again and that is where we stayed."
He concluded: "I like Mablethorpe and have been back a few times including to switch on the lights."
The idea of a Paul Daniels statue has brought mixed results in the town:
Mike McDonald, Mablethorpe's Business and Tourism manager said: "If a project group came to me with this campaign I would offer my expertise free of charge – I support anything that helps to promote Mablethorpe."
Local businessman Richard Borthwick from Sharky's bar said: "I think it's a terrific idea and we should all support the campaign – especially if they position the statue outside Sharky's!"
But Mablethorpe mayor Coun Margaret Rolls laughed off the suggestion and said: "Lord Tennyson would be a much more worthy contender for a statue."
Supporting the idea of encouraging celebrities back to Mablethorpe Mr Borthwick added: "We should give celebrities like Paul Daniels the freedom of the town or the title of Mayor of Mablethorpe for a day – that would draw more people here than a million beach hut festivals."
He added: "I'm sure Timmy Mallett would be down here in a shot if that was offered to him."
Click here to see an old photo of Paul in Mablethorpe with his parents via the magician's online diary
* What do you think to the idea of a Paul Daniels statue in Mablethorpe? Email gemma.gadd@jpress.co.uk
Email to a friend
Print this page- Latest: Police search Sutton on Sea caravan park for Anne Simpson, missing since 2004
- Hickman sacked by Kawasaki after Suzuki superbike ride
- Uninsured drink driver accused of causing death of premature baby after Louth area crash
- Update: Hosepipe ban to stay despite 19 areas lifted out of drought status
- Louth bus driver over four times alcohol limit
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Louth
Thursday 17 May 2012
Today
Light rain
Temperature: 8 C to 11 C
Wind Speed: 17 mph
Wind direction: South
Tomorrow
Cloudy
Temperature: 9 C to 11 C
Wind Speed: 29 mph
Wind direction: North east
