Morecambe & Lunesdale MP David Morris and pub chain JD Wetherspoon have today announced that there will be a memorial plaque to one of Morecambe’s most famous daughters Dame Thora Hird.
The plaque will be fixed to the outside of the Eric Bartholomew in Morecambe and will be unveiled by David Morris MPon Friday 13th September. Inside the pub there will be a photographic tribute to Dame Thora’s career which spanned several decades and lead to her winning three BAFTA Awards.
Dame Thora was born in Morecambe in 1911, her Dad James was the manager of the Royalty Theatre where Thora made her theatrical debut at just two months old. Thora is fondly remembered by millions as playing Edie Pegden in the BBC series ‘Last of the Summer Wine.’
Speaking from his Morecambe & Lunesdale constituency David said:
“After my campaign and Parliamentary motion to have Dame Thora Hird honoured with a plaque in London, it became apparent that there is support to have Dame Thora honoured here in Morecambe. “
“The Eric Bartholomew is named after Eric Morecambe and stands very close to where Thora was born. I approached Wetherspoon Chief Executive John Hutson who very quickly agreed to the idea. I am very grateful to John and his team for their support”
Wetherspoon chief executive John Hutson said: “ We are delighted to play our part in this excellent tribute to Dame Thora Hird.”
“Our pub, The Eric Bartholomew is at the heart of Morecambe’s social scene and I am sure that customers and passers-by will welcome the plaque.”
“Our thanks to David Morris MP for approaching the company with the idea.”