Shelley Fountain re-launch

Posted 29th May 2010

HORSHAM'S Shelley Fountain was re-launched at Horsham English Festival on 8th and 9th May 2010, which took place in the town.

Speaking at the event on the 8th May 2010, Cllr Keith Wilkins, Chairman of Horsham District Council, said:

Welcome to Horsham everyone and it's really good to see so many people here.

Today and tomorrow we are celebrating Horsham's English Festival and hasn't it been great fun today to see such a fantastic display of Morris dancers for the town’s annual Broadwood Day of Dance?

I understand that we have attracted some 18 Morris sides this year, more than for many years.

I would also like to pay tribute to the Brownies and 'Rainbows', who danced so beautifully around the fountain and who continue to celebrate the Girl Guiding movement’s centenary year.

I know all the participants have been practising for ages so please join me now in showing your appreciation in the usual way.

Here we are standing by the Rising Universe or Shelley Fountain, which was put in place a number of years ago to commemorate Horsham's links with the poet Percy Bysshe Shelley.

It has become an iconic and important landmark for the town, whilst also causing a great deal of public interest and debate Today the fountain has been switched on again and I would now like to ask Jim Farr of Broadwood Morris to recite an extract from one of Shelley’s most remarkable poems 'Mont Blanc', which was the inspiration for the sculpture.

Article courtesy of Richard Morris, Communications Manager Horsham District Council
Email: richard.morris@horsham.gov.uk