‘NO DREAM TOO BIG’ – BIG LOCAL COMMUNITY UNVEILS SCULPTURE OF LOCAL HERO

Winterton Big Local will be unveiling a sculpture of a prominent astrophysicist in front of Winterton Junior School, to inspire local young people. The extraordinary project commemorates the life and achievements of Professor Wallace Sargent, whose incredible story offers inspiration to the local community.

Sargent’s remarkable journey began with humble origins. He became the first in his family to attend university and later rose to prominence as a distinguished astrophysicist, teaching at the California Institute of Technology. His profound impact on the field of astrophysics is exemplified by his pioneering work in the detection of supermassive black holes.

Winterton Big Local hopes the sculpture will stand as a symbol of hope and ambition for young people and future generations, celebrating the life and enduring legacy of Wallace Sargent and the spirit of the community.

Ian Dyer, chair of Winterton Big Local, said:

“The journey to unveil this statue was a labour of love, overcoming hurdles like planning permissions, finding a suitable location and the pandemic. The sculpture stands as a symbol of our shared history and collective ambition, showing the story of one of our own who began humbly and achieved incredible things.

“It’s more than just a monument, it serves as a source of inspiration for our community, especially young people. It embodies Winterton Big Local’s spirit, uniting to conquer challenges and inspiring others. It’s a reminder that no dream is too big.”

Matt Leach, chief executive of Local Trust, said:

“This project is a testament to the power of local initiative and collaboration. It exemplifies what Big Local is all about – celebrating a local community’s unique heritage, inspiring local residents and investing in projects that really matter to the local community.

“Winterton Big Local is an ambitious partnership that has achieved extraordinary success. I eagerly anticipate witnessing the continued growth of this community and the exciting future projects they have in store.”

Winterton Big Local has planned several activities to further honour the sculpture’s significance, including hosting a planetarium at the primary school and free screenings of Star Men, a film following Professor Sargent and fellow astronomers celebrating 50 years of friendship and discovery, for the community. Other educational activities will be planned for all.