Happy Birthday Bobby
The Iron Horse "Bobby"
We are excited to announce we have a rather important birthday to celebrate here at C & W Berry.
To celebrate the 1st birthday of Bobby, our fondly regarded iron horse, we have produced an infographic all about him.
Towering at 15ft high, Bobby the Iron Horse stands next to the roundabout connecting Schleswig Way and Longmeanygate.
A year ago, Bobby joined the Centurion Tank, Norma the Fire Engine and William the Vintage Tractor as the town’s latest gateway feature.
Colin Berry, who founded the builder’s merchants with his brother Walter in 1954, sadly passed away this summer at the age of 88.
He was immensely proud of the sculpture and we feel it is fitting that we celebrate Bobby’s installation in memory of Colin.
The sculpture of a draught horse and cart was created by David Palmer and his team at DP Structures in Nelson, Lancashire. He explains: “The sculpture is reflective of the role the horse and cart played in Leyland’s evolution as a market town.”
Read our infographic to find out more!
Three generations of the Berry family – founding partner Colin (third left), grandson Mike Jones and daughters Susan and Janet
The Draught Horse
As Leyland has its history as a famed market-town, it seemed appropriate to all involved to create a draught horse to follow the ‘transport’ theme of other public sculptures in the area.
Lucky Leyland
We have received lots of positive feedback on Bobby:
Councillor Mick Titherington, said: “What a fantastic addition to the town our Bobby is. He’s our ‘Angel of the North’ and is destined to be an iconic landmark in Lancashire.”
Councillor Phil Smith, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Leisure, said: “Bobby has already been really popular with our residents, with lots of people saying the sculpture makes them proud to live in Leyland.”
Memories of Leyland Past
C & W Berry are currently looking for a senior resident who can tell the best ‘Leyland Memories’ with a specific focus on horsepower.
The story will be published on the brand new ‘News and Inspiration’ section of the website, as well as across social media. The storyteller will be presented with a beautiful flower arrangement and lucky horseshoe.
If you or someone you know has a story to tell, email: [email protected]
Children's Art Competition
Calling all young Leyland Artists and Day Nurseries!
Draw or paint a picture of Bobby for a chance to win some amazing toys, as well as an engraved horseshoe trophy.
Simply send a high-quality JPEG image of the artwork, as well as the artist(s) name and age range to: [email protected] by 30th October.
The winner will be chosen and announced on social media on 2nd November.
How did Ulnes Walton Bridleways Association (UWBA) get involved in creating Bobby?
Ulnes Walton Bridleways Association, which sponsored the project, has long wanted something in the town in recognition of the historical importance of the horse in Leyland’s heritage.
Janet Berry, one of the founders of the UWBA explains: “Our link to Bobby is that we had the original idea. We provided a ton of used horse shoes for the Project and were asked to name him.”
“He is larger and grander than we could ever have imagined and we love him. The link to C&W Berry is fantastic and what I had hoped for from the outset. I had asked for us to sponsor the original idea, so this is the icing on the cake.”
The horseshoes were donated by Chorley blacksmith Rob Golder and were used to create a feature in certain panels of the Bobby sculpture.
Sue Taylor-Green, also from the group, said: "We are so pleased to have promoted the importance of the horse in our community, past, present and future.”
'Committee members of UWBA; Sue Taylor-Green (left) and Janet Berry (right)'
A Name to Remember
Bobby stands on what used to be the site of a farm owned by Frank Sumner, the local Rag and Bone man. Although Frank and his farm are no longer there, many residents of Leyland still remember him. He had a number of horses over the years, but his long standing one was called 'Bobby' so it was agreed that the Iron Horse should take his name.
About Ulnes Walton Bridleways Assocation
A UWBA fundraising ride. Image courtesy of UWBA
Who are they?
Bobby stands on what used to be the site of a farm owned by Frank Sumner, the local Rag and Bone man. Although Frank and his farm are no longer there, many residents of Leyland still remember him. He had a number of horses over the years, but his long standing one was called 'Bobby' so it was agreed that the Iron Horse should take his name.
What they do
They run road ‘de-sensitisation’ classes for horse and rider at the Longton Riding Club and the Pony Club. They also run two pleasure rides a year to raise money for the charity, with 60-90 entries taking part, usually raising in excess of £1000 per ride.
Improving Local Infrastructure for Riding, Cyclists and Walkers
Further funding has been granted to the charity from a variety of sources and have to date attracted over £100,000 from the likes of Veolia, Lancashire Environmental Fund and Lottery Awards for All. This money has created 2 new paths, Karla's Way, named after a junior rider who died whilst undergoing a procedure at the dentist and The Lorraine Wood Loop, named after one of local riders who died of Cancer. They also reinstated the Malt Kiln Fold Bridleway. On all these Projects they have worked closely with South Ribble Borough Council, and all the paths are multi-use.
Their upcoming project is to replace a bridge over the River Lostock which will open up access to other areas. They plan to start fund raising in the New Year for this. They are currently working with Developers and South Ribble Borough Council to create a series of multi-use tracks around the Test Track Development.