Michael Foot Remembered

ARGYLE director Peter Jones is heading a campaign to raise funds for a memorial to former Pilgrims Board member and one of Plymouth’s most famous politicians, Michael Foot.

Plymouth City Council has launched a subscription fund with the aim of raising enough money for a memorial to reflect journalist Michael's love of words. A final design will be revealed shortly.

Born in Plymouth in 1913, Michael was elected Member of Parliament for Plymouth Devonport in 1945 and went on to become one of the great Parliamentarians and orators of the 20th century, later leading the Labour Party.

His great passion away from politics was Argyle. A board member during the halcyon early years of the new millennium, he remained an ardent supporter until he death. His coffin was draped with his famous green and black scarf.

The memorial will be sited in Freedom Fields Park, within sight of the house where Michael lived and the scene of many public speeches given by him.

Campaigners hope to raise enough money to be able to unveil the memorial on the 100th anniversary of Michael’s birth on July 23.

Peter Jones said: "Michael, like his father before him, was extremely proud to be a Plymothian.

"He never lost his passion for the city of his birth - or indeed its football club - and his contribution to the Plymouth's post-war recovery, working within a cross-party framework, was considerable.

"It is entirely appropriate that there should be a memorial to Michael within the city, and there can be no better location than Freedom Fields Park."

Deputy leader of Plymouth City Council Peter Smith said: “Whatever your political persuasion, few can argue that Michael was a giant in British politics. But he was so much more for Plymouth.

“He was hugely intelligent, championed this city and its people. He was a man of words, an inspiring speaker and passionate about the power politics had to improve lives.”

Donations to the appeal can be made by:

•    Debit card donations over the phone on 01752 262243

•    sending a cheque payable to ‘Plymouth City Council’ to Michael Foot Memorial Appeal, c/o Plymouth City Council, Civic Centre, Plymouth, PL1 2AA

•    Cash, at the Council's self-service payments kiosk

Companies or organisations interested in making a donation should call Ben Higgins on 01752 305408.

Anyone who has memories of any stories about Michael they would like to share should let the project know by:

•    emailing - michaelfootmemorial@plymouth.gov.uk.

•    Following on Facebook - www.facebook.com/MichaelFootMemorial

•    and Twitter - @MFootMemorial