Bernard Manning statue – a memorial too far

Posted By: Robin Parker
Date Posted: 15/07/2007

The death of Bernard Manning has resulted in eulogies and tributes from many people, famous and otherwise. I believe that most of us anti racists have taken the attitude, ‘Ok. that’s the end of an era, let bygones be bygones’ and left it at that. Now, unfortunately, we are going to have to stand up to be counted. The reason? It has been proposed that a statue should be erected in his memory and some have suggested it be in Middleton. The Middleton Guardian is asking for people’s views and I can no longer, therefore, duck the issue.

I’ve followed the debate in the Online Community column. Some have come out in their true colours (well, white, actually) and others have missed the point. All I will say is ‘well written, Hinch, Irishman and supporters; keep the faith’.

I too watched the obituary programme on Thursday. There were times when I was laughing at his jokes because he could be a very funny stand up comedian. There were other times when his racist comments revolted me. This is not because they would have been offensive to blacks and Asians; they were simply offensive to me.

For over ten years I have been on the committee of a charity working overseas. One supporter naively booked a charity do to raise funds at the Embassy Club. It was swiftly cancelled because no member of the committee would buy or sell any tickets. For a charity for which racism is anathema, that was a fundraising compromise too far.

There is a precedent for raising a statue to a comedian. I have gone on pilgrimage to Morecambe Bay to see the statue of Eric. I would have no problems in the North Manchester context of seeing a statue erected in memory of the wonderful Les Dawson. For me, Bernard Manning was far too controversial a figure. The good side of him will live on in the memories of the people who knew him and fair enough. Let’s leave it at that.