Dalton rhinos charge on as project gathers pace
Last updated at 08:23, Friday, 24 February 2012
A PAIR of rhinos have been spotted in a Dalton church.
The brainchild of the Revered Allan Mitchell, the first fibreglass rhino model is now on display in Dalton St Mary’s Church.
It joins the original 'modrock' mould – and a few more fibreglass models are expected to join the growing herd over the next few weeks.
Mr Mitchell said: “It has been a long process getting to here. But now the exciting part starts.”
Inspired by Liverpool’s Superlambanana sculptures, Mr Mitchell hopes the rhinos will draw tourists to Dalton, as a supplementary attraction to South Lakes Wild Animal Park.
All Dalton junior schools are involved with the project, and Dowdales School art department will be heavily involved in the design and decorating of the ‘beasts’.
Mr Mitchell is hoping to have a 20-strong herd when they are introduced across the town this summer.
So far 15 sponsors have taken on the rhinos, which will be let loose on the town’s streets, from Melton Brow, down Skelgate and through Market Street, up Broughton Road and towards South Lakes Wild Animal Park.
As well as the sculptures, a rhino-themed beer is being produced.
Dalton Town Band and Boom Dang have also been commissioned to create songs to celebrate the project’s culmination in June.
The Friends of Dalton St Mary’s have sponsored one of the rhinos for Dalton St Mary’s Primary School.
The children are planning an Olympic theme for their decoration.
Lynda Woodburn, headteacher, said: “All the children have had the opportunity to produce a design with an Olympic theme and we are looking forward to working in partnership with Dowdales’ art department to transfer the children’s ideas on to a life-sized rhinoceros.
“The designs for the rhinoceros were a good introduction to the Olympic theme. Children will be able to explore many areas of the curriculum through these themes and the planned learning looks very exciting.”
South Lakes Wild Animal Park sponsored a rhino for Chapel Street Infant and Nursery School Helen Watt, headteacher, said: “We hope to make this a real community project.
“Naturally we want an inspirational design which reflects our school.”
First published at 10:36, Thursday, 23 February 2012
Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk
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Again,a good idea from Mr Mitchell with the Rhino's.But,I cant say I agree with a new beer being produced,is there not enough alcoholism in Dalton already,just take a look around the Town centre on any Friday and Saturday night and you will see that the amount of inebriation is on the increase.
Posted by Merlin Godwit on 4 March 2012 at 14:07