Aafter 3 years of hard work and fundraising by the Steering
Committee Martin Jennings’ statue in memorial to Sir Archibald McIndoe, of
Queen Victoria Hospital and Guinea Pigs fame, was unveiled by HRH the Princess Royal.
The ceremony, attended by an estimated 2000 people, was followed by drinks and
refreshments at Chequer Mead Theatre, where there was an exhibition and a showing of
the film “The Making of the McIndoe Memorial”.
The project was originally conceived by the East Grinstead Business Association
(EGBA) and brought to fruition by a Steering Committee chaired by Stuart Scholes
(CEO of the EGBA), Julie Holden (East Grinstead Town Clerk), Jacquie Pinney (CEO of
the Blond McIndoe Research Foundation), Adonia Montford Bebb (daughter of Sir
Archibald McIndoe) and Jane Woodman (volunteer to the project). The whole project
was made possible by Dave Brown of Dormans Park (Chairman of DUARIS Ltd) whose
financial support enabled each stage to be completed on schedule. Thanks to Cowen
Architects, to Duaris Ltd for contributing all the groundwork necessary to install the
statue and to sculptor Martin Jennings, whose creativity and drive were crucial.
Major donors to the project include Queen Victoria Hospital, the McIndoe Surgical
Centre and over 350 individuals and local companies. The widespread support for the
Memorial was shown by the amazing response to the Waitrose green token scheme.
Since the launch of the fundraising appeal in April 2013 there have been a number of
public consultations, displays in shop windows and talks to local groups with the aim of
involving the whole town in the project.
So far the appeal has raised £117,500 but a further £57,500 is needed. Individuals and
companies can make a donation to the appeal by visiting the website
Nicholas Soames, MP, Chairman of the EGBA commented “At last the work of Sir Archibald McIndoe at the Queen Victoria Hospital during WW2 and the contribution made to the men’s rehabilitation by the good people of East Grinstead, “the town that did not stare”, has been recognised. Martin Jennings’s
magnificent and inspiring creation is now in place for the entire world to see and to remember.
“As Chairman of the EGBA I have been associated with this project from a very early
stage. From the moment Stuart Scholes put forward his ideas I was enthusiastic and
gave it my full support – my only question was, ‘why has it not been done before?’ My
congratulations go to all those involved in the project – The Steering Group, supporters
and donors - well done East Grinstead.”
EGBA Chief Executive Stuart Scholes said “After three years planning and
fundraising it’s marvellous to see the statue as a fitting tribute to a man who was not just
a local hero but a national figure with his pioneering work in plastic surgery. We were
honoured to have the Princess Royal to perform the ceremony and the tremendous
turnout on the day underlines the huge public support for the memorial.”
News article courtesy of East Grinstead Business Association
Photos courtesy of Jonty Eggington of Egg Media UK