Sculpture Ray Lonsdale has created a potentially iconic North-Eastern landmark (pending!) commemorating the bravery of British Tommies during the First World War, dedicated particularly to those (mainly) young men who died on the Messines Ridge. His Masterpiece was inspired by the death of PTE Michael Duffy, a Fence Houses lad who died "going over the top" on June 7th 1917. He was only 19 years old... Inscription on the statue reads; "He put his back to the wind, felt the mud at his feet; Had a vision of himself as a boy in the street...And he knew. He lit up a tab, turned his face to the smoke; searched the box in his head wher he kept his hope, but he knew. He saw the check of the watch; saw the solemn nod. Saw the whistle raised; Heard the pleas to God...Then it Blew..." Come on Geordie, Mackam and Smokie football teams; Now is your chance to shine! Give Ray the money he RIGHTLY earned by creating this ICON of Pitmatic resilence in the face of adversity...! Ray Lonsdale can be contacted by email; ray@tworedrubberthings.co.uk Thanks to; Ray Lonsdale, Peter Duffy, The Northern Echo.

• published: 11 Aug 2013
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