Tristan Harris    Editor Droitwich Standard
20th July 2018

The artist who put forward the proposal for a permanent memorial to Rik Mayall in Droitwich says he is determined to make the project happen and The Standard will be backing any efforts to remember the comedy legend who grew up in the town.

Discussions were held a fortnight ago by Droitwich Town Council about the proposal put forward by Cal.The council declined his offer ‘at this time’ and said, if a piece was going to be created, it should involve the Droitwich Arts Network and Norbury Theatre and Rik’s family needed to be contacted for their approval.

Cal contacted The Standard this week saying although he now lives in Stourbridge and is a fine art representative of the Black Country Arts Council, he did grow up in Droitwich and was educated in the town Boycott First School (now Westlands) and St Richard De Wych (now closed).

The 41-year-old experimental artist works with multi-media, paint, sculpture, av and embroidery.

He said: “Rik’s passing was a great loss to the acting community and we all felt we had lost a national treasure. This charismatic and talented individual was raised in Droitwich and his first acting experience was at Norbury Theatre. Rik was a massive inspiration to me and many other artists, musicians, actors and comedians and it is only right that such a talented and loved individual be remembered in this way.”

Cal has also offered to seek funding for the project which he said was gaining support from lots of different people from all across the UK.

“I did say in my original proposal that I would gain input on the design and placement of the monument from Rik’s family, friends and comedy partner Ade Edmonson. It would be great if we could gain the support of Norbury Theatre and all the relevant art organisations in Droitwich. This project seems like a win, win idea and will act to inspire generations to come.”

Cal has also been contacted by one of Rik’s closest friends and friend of Rik’s family who has also agreed to help him move forward this project.

“This project will be of great benefit to my home town of Droitwich and I am very sure it is what the people of Droitwich want. I hope the voice of the silent majority speaks out and helps me to create a fitting monument to a truly beautiful man.”

Cal also said he would be more than happy to present his ideas to Droitwich Town Council and the public.