Eye has been visited by sculptures of tortoises and hares designed to signify the positives that have arisen from lockdown and among the Trail of Hope collection which features Captain Sir Tom Moore and NHS heroes is a very special Nutbrown Hare.
Nutbown was named after the character from the “Guess How much I Love You?” books and features all the lockdown photographs captured around Eye by local photographer Wendy Aiken and sponsored by Rosedale Funeral Home and the people of Eye want him to stay in Eye and form part of the towns historical archives.
Wendy, who has lived in Eye all her life says:
“I’ve was born in Eye and love the town, with its many wonderful characters that I’ve had the privilege to grow up around. I raised over £2000 for Home Start and The opportunity group, two Eye charities that do so much for the community by taking the lockdown doorstep photos that Nutbrown is covered in. Every time I look at Nutbrown I smile and feel very blessed to be apart of such a wonderful town like Eye. I hope someone in Eye wins the auction and Nutbrown stays in Eye and on show somewhere in Eye as a piece of history.”
All the statues are being auctioned on 17th September and the race is on for residents to club together to secure the winning bid in the timed online auction which ends at 7.30pm. Unlike Ebay, the auction which is being offered by Clarke & Simpson has the excitement of real time bidding whereby each lot is being extended for a further period if someone bids during the last few minutes. Please click here for the auction site.
Last years sheep trail raised £40,000 for the Blossom Charity who aim to inspire and increase confidence in women, men and young people in East Anglia supporting them to make long lasting changes in their lives.
There’s still chance to visit the Trail of Hope which remains in place until 11th September. Maps can be found in shops around Eye and each one has a plaque which details the artist and the business that has sponsored the event. Those who find the sculptures are encouraged to take a picture and share them on twitter with the hashtag #trailofhopeeye
