Iconic Hereford statue to retire in peace (From Hereford Times)

Mercia Man to leave Gaol Street after the weather has taken its toll on him

10:26am Friday 15th June 2012 in Hereford City By Paul Rogers

ONE of Hereford’s most famous characters is to finally say goodbye after greeting shoppers for more than a decade.

Holding aloft an apple like the Statue of Liberty, Mercia Man has towered over the car park on Gaol Street ever since he was created out of a diseased beech tree by artist Phil Bews in 2000.

But, sadly the 20ft wooden figure has suffered the effects of too many years of wind and rain and will now retire in more tranquil and natural surroundings to see out the remainder of his days.

However, all is not lost and anyone who wants to express their thanks for his service can do so by posting messages to his legs or base before he leaves the city centre for good on Monday, June 25 to environmentally rot in peace (R.I.P) at Aylestone Park where he will let nature take its course.

“He really has been a gentle giant whose familiar face will be missed,” said Councillor Mark Hubbard, whose ward is in the city centre.

“I know many people have become very fond of Mercia Man so I’m glad there’s time for people to say goodbye and even post a message to his legs or base, telling him what he’s meant to them.”

Mercia Man was last taken away in 2006 for surgery in Rotherwas as he became unstable.

Metal plates were installed into his feet to give him more balance, which curiously made him look the other way.

He was then returned to his perch in Gaol Street 18 months later.