Compo statue set for new year start

Sep 15 2003 By Ed Reed, The Huddersfield Daily Examiner

LAST of the Summer Wine fans hope work on a statue commemorating actor Bill Owen could start as early as the beginning of next year.

The plan will see a bronze sculpture of his loveable character, Compo, erected in the heart of Holmfirth, where the gentle comedy is set.

The series - now into its 32nd year of filming - is the world's longest-running TV comedy show.

Bill died in 1999 at the age of 85, having played the roguish Compo for 26 years.

Sculptor John Alder, from Somerset, who knew Bill, has been commissioned to create the £34,000 bronze tribute. It will stand in King's Head Gardens, Huddersfield Road.

A sketch created by the artist shows the statue leaning up against a dry stone wall in a scene reminiscent of the show which is broadcast around the world.

Bill's son, Tom, who joined the series as Compo's long-lost son in 1999, officially launched the memorial fund.

So far, £5,000 has been raised. It is hoped the rest of the cash can be collected by the end of the year.

Brian Kushner, an American fan of the comedy, has given £1,500.

Tom commented: "Dad would be absolutely over the moon to know this was happening."

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