UNVEILING OF TOLKIEN STATUES IN ROOS.
It was raining gently when I arrived in Roos. Luckily, it was fairly easy to find a parking place. It felt as though a wedding was taking place as the church bells were pealing loudly but pleasantly. I reached the church porch just when the heavens opened, so I missed the worst of the deluge. Other attendees weren’t quite so fortunate.
Roos Church in the Rain
A LotR- themed bun/cupcake
This took place shortly after 9am and then began the interminable wait for the events to begin at 10.30. The church began to fill up with local worthies, but there weren’t any obvious Tolkien fans. There was one chap in the front row, who seemed to hold a faint resemblance to a member of the Tolkien family, but I was assured that this was a local councillor. Even a mayor turned up in his regalia, and it would be he who would unveil the statue of Tolkien. Lúthien was to be unveiled by local author Phil Mathison.
Phil Mathison [left] being presented with a copy of the Lúthien silhouette.
At just before 10.30 the church bells were hushed, and the gathered congregation began to take on an air of expectation. Initially, a chap who failed to introduce himself, but who was from Visit East Yorkshire, thanked the bell ringers, the church, Allen Stichler - the artist who worked on the statues, Gareth Sleightholme - who came up with some initial designs, the Roos Parish Council, the Tolkien Society & the Tolkien Estate, the East Riding Council & Phil & Mary Mathison.
Phil Mathison then briefly explained the history of Tolkien’s association with Roos and his early life. He also outlined the creation of Beren and Lúthien and the inspiration behind these characters.
You may view this 7- minute talk here: https://youtu.be/1lchGH0eJMk?si=KRPV3nQgciBG9XeU
After the talk the congregation filed outside and congregated at the site of the unveiling to the south of the church car park. This is where the mayor unveiled the statue of Tolkien, and Phil Mathison unveiled the silhouette of Lúthien.
