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The maquette of the proposed sculpture
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Samuel Cody statue plan unveiled

By Tim Harris
February 18, 2013

THE arrival of a Samuel Cody statue in Farnborough has taken a 'major step' forward, after the maquette of the sculpture was unveiled.

The Cody Statue project will see a statue of the aviation icon installed at the Farnborough Air Sciences Trust (FAST) Museum in Farnborough Road.

Trustees from FAST were shown the scale model of the Cody statue when they visited the studio of sculptor Vivien Mallock, in Andover.

Richard Gardner, chairman of FAST, said: “This is going to be an outstanding and quite magnificent work of art that will do justice to Farnborough’s most famous aviation pioneer.

“It will at long last provide a public memorial to the man who kick-started the British aviation industry. We can’t wait to see the real statue and we are all confident it will become a local landmark and national asset.”

Work will is under way on the 7ft statue of Cody, with fundraising in progress to pay for it. This has included the sale of bricks engraved with names, which are being exhibited in the Cody Pavilion at the FAST museum.

“The bricks already purchased are proving to be a source of nostalgia for anyone who has worked at Royal Aircraft Establishment (RAE) or its successors,” added David Wilson, leader of the Cody Statue Project for FAST.

“Orders for bricks are being received from all over the world.”

Donations have also been made from local companies, and FAST continues to seek sponsors.

Plans are in place to unveil the statue on August 7, which will mark the centenary anniversary of Cody’s death in a flying accident at Farnborough.

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Most recent user comments 4 of 4

Ah yes, "NIMBY" crops up again. It is a really negative statement which is intended to shut down debate by trivialising the feelings of others. When I see "NIMBY" I have to ask myself whether this is someone who is not willing to understand or sympathise with the negative impacts that something has on others. In is not a nice acronym to use.

pjt
02/03/2013 at 10:57

I got the County Council to contribute, like Rushmoor has, and I've also bought a brick myself as I used to be at the RAE.

County Councillor John Wall - Farnborough South Division (@CllrJohnWall), Farnborough, Hampshire
18/02/2013 at 14:02

Wow, this sounds great. I think having it in the town centre (in one of the new Queensmead Squares) would be even better though. I think that would give it even more of an iconic status, since the museum isn't exactly central, and is already pretty noticeable for all the aeroplanes parked outside it. But I suppose it is their project, so they'll want it at Trenchard House.