Dalton Rhinos causing a rumpus throughout historic town
Last updated at 15:03, Thursday, 31 May 2012
DALTON resembled the African Savannah, with the sun beating down on a herd of rhinos.
However, the beasts had not escaped from the South Lakes Wild Animal Park, but were part of the Rhinostoric Rumpus.
The five foot models, which were commissioned by organisations then painted by local schools, went on display in the grounds of St Mary’s Church for the first time.
The sixteen rhinos will go on tour of the schools where they were created before forming the Dalton Rhino Trail, an innovative project designed to attract tourists to the town.
The display was unveiled by Councillor Barry Doughty, the new mayor of Dalton, who said the project had brought the community together.
He said: “I think it is an absolutely wonderful idea. It has certainly involved all of the community, in terms of the organisations involved and the creativity of those that have painted the rhinos.”
Cllr Doughty also paid tribute to the Reverend Alan Mitchell, who had the idea of creating the trail over 12 months ago.
He said: “All the rhinos went to different schools and were decorated on behalf of groups and individuals.
“I think they look beautiful in the sunlight. When they were coming back in twos and threes you didn’t realise how good they would look, but I think as a herd they look splendid.”
The rhinos were commissioned by organisations such as Friends of Dalton Castle and the South Lakes Wild Animal Park and then were painted by schools such as Chapel Street School and St Peter’s in Ireleth.
The rhino casts were each set out in fibreglass by Ulverston company JG Black Polymers and owner John Black said he had enjoyed working on a creative project.
He said: “It is a total change from our normal work operation. We are in the insulation market but we do work with glass fibres. We have enjoyed the opportunity to work on something more artistic than we normally do.”
Sylvia Stoker, who has been responsible for organising the movement of the rhinos, said she was pleased with how they looked.
She said: “The one thing I would say is that we realised that when they were all coming back that they all look completely different. There was no design brief but they are all very striking.”
First published at 09:41, Monday, 28 May 2012
Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk
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Have your say
Almost impossible to choose, but I think George Romney Junior School entrance just pips the rest. Love them all though!
Posted by Matt on 1 June 2012 at 12:30