Copy email about Sir Winston Churchill to the Leader and also the Chief Executive of Oldham Council

Dear Jim and Carolyn,

You may be aware that the 24th January 2015 represents the 50th anniversary of the death of former war-time Prime Minister, The Rt. Hon. Sir Winston Spencer Churchill.

You will of course be well aware that a young Winston Churchill started his political career as the Member of Parliament for Oldham, serving the constituency from 1900 to 1906.

Given Sir Winston’s historic connection with Oldham, and the fact that he was awarded the honour of Freeman of the Borough, might I suggest that this Council use this 50th anniversary of his death to announce its intention to erect a statue in his image, either in the new Parliament Square or on the steps of the restored Town Hall, where he first made a speech to the townspeople after his election?

I believe that such a statue should and could be funded, as many were in the past, by soliciting business sponsorships and a public subscription, rather than recourse to public funds.

I have sourced from The Churchill Trust a couple of quotes about Oldham from the great man himself that might feature on the plinth. He spoke of “the warm hearts and bright eyes of its people,” and wrote that “No one can come in close contact with the working folk of Lancashire without wishing them well.”

I look forward to hearing your views on this proposal and how we might take it forward.

Best wishes

Councillor Howard Sykes MBE