A SCULPTURE in memory of ‘Kes’ author Barry Hines which depicts a young Billy Casper with his bird resting on his arm is almost finished and will be unveiled in November next year.
It has been created by sculptor Graham Ibbeson and cast in bronze, and will be placed in a prominent place in the town centre.
The sculpture is the culmination of a £100,000 fund-raising campaign to celebrate the life of Barry, who wrote the book A Kestrel for a Knave and died in March 2016.
Ronnie Steele is chairman of the Kes Group and was taught by both Barry and Brian Glover, who starred in the film based on the book, Kes.
He said donations, merchandise, sales and negotiated discounts, meant £71,000 had been raised. Much of the money has come from sales of bronze statuettes, with some costing £5,000.
“To have made £71,000 in ten months is a superb achievement. We’re able to say when it will be unveiled and that is next November.
“We’re incredibly excited at the moment. We’ve had our ups and downs, it was very tough to start with because we had to do some things we had never experienced before.
“None of us, except for Graham, had been involved in a community project like this. We think it’s one of the greatest community projects that’s ever existed in Barnsley.”
Ronnie said the statue would be an attraction for people from Barnsley, across the country and possibly other countries, and could act as a meeting point called ‘Kes Corner’.
Graham Ibbeson told the Chronicle he had loved working on the project, though it will be his last commissioned piece of work. He said: “The sculpture is basically finished, it has been cast in bronze and is almost there. We’re working closely with the council and subject to planning permission it will be in a prominent place in Barnsley town centre.
“I’m Barnsley born and bred and this is synonymous with Barnsley. I have loved doing it, it seemed to come alive in the first week I started it.
“I used my grandkids for reference but I also met Dai Bradley, who played Billy Casper. He came and looked at it and gave me some helpful tips, especially about the kestrel, the glove and the jesses they wear.
“I’ve enjoyed doing it and looked forward to going into the studio every day. Because I was enjoying it, I think that is reflected in the work.
“I’m not saying it was easy, it’s taken me a lifetime’s experience and work to get to this stage but I have genuinely enjoyed the process of working with the committee to get this done and in Barnsley town centre.
“The best thing is that council officers and the councillors have backed it, and the people of Barnsley - so you couldn’t wish for a better project.”
Graham said Dai Bradley joins only Dickie Bird in having seen themselves modelled by him while they are still alive.
Over the next few weeks, fundraisers will be held including one on December 14 at the Cellar Bar, Old Number 7 pub on Market Hill from 7.30pm until late.
There will be performances by top vocalists covering folk and country songs.
