A HOST of experts are to be drafted in to ensure future generations of Comber people can learn of the illustrious military history and legacy of ‘Rollo’ Gillespie, memorialised in statue in the town’s square, which needs a near £100,000 overhaul.
The monument of Major General Hugh Robert Gillespie, described as the ‘strongest man of Comber’ needs urgent work to repair ‘dangerously loose’ stones and parts of its external and internal structure.
Gillespie, also coined the ‘bravest man ever to wear a red coat’, was an officer in the British Army born in Comber in 1766 who earned the honorific for his courage during a series of battles before his death in 1814.
The monument to his legacy was erected in 1845 and a list of his battles can be found on the plinth, which the council report said was in an ‘undermined and heavily delaminated’ state.
During the February meeting of the Ards and North Down Council’s Environment Committee, councillors agreed with a plan to carry out phased repairs, estimated at £15,000 for the initial stage. The overall cost for the project over the next decade is £98,000.
The report, by the council’s Assets and Property Services, also set out a list of other ‘essential’ repairs which should be carried out within the next year to three years.
Other ‘recommended’ repairs, which could be carried out over the next four to ten year period, were also outlined, including the state of Gillespie’s sword, to ensure it is ‘intact and fit for purpose’.
Comber alderman Trevor Cummings welcomed the report, but secured an amendment to call in experts from the Ulster Architectural Heritage to carry out more comprehensive investigations on the monument.
The DUP member said that by also consulting with the Centre for Community Archaeology at Queen’s University, its ‘infrared technology’ would be used to assess its internal iron works. He added that the process could be aided by accessing the original designs from the Masonic Grand Lodge Ireland, in Dublin.
He said he had been approached by locals who ‘cherish the monument’ about its worsening state, stating ‘its disrepair gives much cause for concern’.
Fellow Comber councillor Libby Douglas welcomed the efforts to repair the monument, stating ‘it does make sense to contact the other organisations mentioned in the amendment’.
“It is one of the main features of the town and has survived remarkably for being in place for 179 years,” said the DUP member.
The chair of the council committee, Patricia Morgan of the Alliance Party, who also represents the Comber area, agreed it was ‘disappointing the statue has got into that state’.
“I look forward to it looking shiny, bright and safe,” she said.
Councillor Pete Wray said he knew of the monument’s relevance in local culture and heritage.
The Ards peninsula representative for the UUP said he looked forward to the day when repairs were complete so local young people could be taught all about Gillespie and the statue’s ‘importance to local history’.
