Percy French is celebrated on Newcastle’s new promenade. claims the local paper : The Mourne Observer a rather poor relation to the
Berwickshire NewsThe story continues:
A statue of famous songwriter, artist and entertainer Percy French took its place in the seaside town.Down District Council’s Director of Cultural and Economic Development Ms Sharon O’Connor said NEWCASTLE’S reconstructed promenade welcomed a new resident last week, when a celebration : “Newcastle is immortalised in the famous lyrics penned by Percy French, ‘Where the Mountains of Mourne sweep down to the sea,’ and much of that romantic vision remains to this day.
“As part of the development of Newcastle, we are delighted that, in renewing the promenade, we have also been fortunate to commission this additional piece of public art for the completion of the second phase of the public realm,” she added.The erection (image to follow when the rain stops) is unusual in that it is of a see through variety whereby you can view the mountains that Mr French 'immortalised' via gaps in hus anatomy.
Mind you the connection between our Percy and Newcastle is fairly tenous. It is not absolutely certain that he ever actually visited 'The Queen of Ireland's seaside resorts'. But the fame of the song has been enough for the Civic highheidyins to milk the alleged connection for all it is worth.
And why not?
(if you have an urge to look at him in glorious colour go to http://www.mourneobserver.com/Percy%20French%20honoured%20on%20Newcastle%20promenade.htm )
