Vic Reeves adopts elephant ahead of Horsham’s safari trail

The cute and colourful elephant sculpture has been named Lady Lollipop and has been decorated by Jim Moir (aka Vic), Nancy and the girls, who are all passionate supporters of Horsham-based wildlife charity, the Born Free Foundation.

Ever generous with their time and support for Born Free, the family jumped at the chance to get creative in support of Elephantastic, which will see a stampede of custom-designed eles pop up in shops and businesses throughout Horsham town centre and surrounding areas this summer.

Having been lucky enough to see elephants in the wild last year while visiting Born Free’s wildlife rescued big cats at the Shwamwari Game Reserve in South Africa, Jim, Nancy and the girls were inspired by their travels and the ‘loving life’ theme, to create a bright and bold design for Lady Lollipop.

Jim is a talented artist in his own right, and has signed the ele, which will be sold along with the rest of the herd, at auction in the autumn.

Nancy said: “Lady Lollipop has loved spending time in our garden – we’re really going to miss her!”

Elephantastic has been organised by Horsham Rotary Club and in partnership with Horsham District Council; local traders organisation, Horsham Unlimited; and Billingshurst-based marketing agency, PMW Communications, and is set to be the biggest event of its kind to date.

As well as supporting a variety of individual local charities, proceeds will also go towards Born Free’s appeal to build Europe’s first elephant sanctuary in Tuscany.

Over 70 local businesses are already on-board, and have taken delivery of their elephant, which they will now decorate.

Recent adopters have included Strada in East Street, Wabi and Capitol Theatre.

‘‘There’s still time for Horsham-based businesses to order their ele!’’ say the organisers.

For more information, and to sign-up for this Elephantastic family event, email: [email protected]