A SMALL bronze model of the intended memorial for Robert Watson-Watt, the famous 'father of radar' originally from Brechin, should be available to be viewed within the next few months as plans for the full-sized tribute edge ever closer.
Secretary of the Watson Watt Society, Brian Mitchell, told the latest meeting of Brechin and Area Partnership that the maquette is now on order and that it is very likely the final version will take its place within St Ninian's Square, across the roa
d from the town's library.
"We have now ordered a maquette of the proposed memorial, which we hope will be unveiled in two or three months time," Brian explained.
"Although it will be on a smaller scale this is a major step forward. We have agreement in principle with the council, although obviously we cannot be sure until we have submitted planning permission.
"The memorial will probably be in St Ninian's Square. It is the favoured and most obvious site because it is near to where he was educated and relatively near to where he was born.
"As well as that it is right outside the library and, at that time, most of Brechin would have used the library and he probably did too.
"We need to raise in the region of £50,000, which is not an impossible thing to do. We were seeking sponsorship from some of the big firms but, until we have something finite they could latch onto, they were not keen.
"The fact that we now have this maquette, which will cost in itself around £2,000, is a big step.
"We are still fund-raising though and, on Sunday, June 28, there will be a Watson Watt concert by the Brechin High School orchestra at 3 pm in the cathedral which has a £5 entry."
Another part of the fund-raising is the group's continued collection of old mobile telephones, which received a boost when Jim Milne of the Attic youth facility offered to seek donations from the youngsters who attend, saying both that the youngsters are more likely to have old phones lying about, and also that it was "key" that people are getting the kids to recognise their history.
"We have collected 32 mobile phones so far, just by having an article in the "Brechiner" and by word of mouth," Brian told the meeting.
"If we get 40 phones, then we get £100 for the group. So if anyone has any old phones, not ones that might still be used, just ones that would be getting thrown out, then please contact us."
Anyone wishing to make a donation can contact Brian on 01356 624356 or any of the Watson-Society committee.
The SIM card should be removed from the phone and the chargers are not required.
