STATUE
Summary
In this episode of It Happened To Me, host Matt Tiller interviews Keith Norcross, who attempted to erect a statue of Sir John Pockley, a 17th-century slave trader, in his hometown of Choppel. Keith recounts his failed DIY efforts, including a papier-mâché figure destroyed by rain and a clay model mauled by a dog, while defending Pockley’s legacy against local opposition. The story highlights Keith’s stubborn determination and the community’s confused and hostile reactions to his controversial campaign.
Topics discussed
Introduction and podcast premise
Keith Norcross and the Sir John Pockley statue controversy
Defending Pockley's legacy and glass trading history
The Sir John Pockley public toilets
Opposing the Deepak Mitra statue campaign
Fundraising struggles and local slang
First statue attempt: Papier-mâché failure
Second statue attempt: Clay model and dog attack
Third statue attempt: Scarecrow and mob chase
Current status, criticism, and closing remarks
Listen ad-free on Castria