Imagine strolling along a serene canal, only to be greeted by a towering gorilla statue perched on a tree stump—it’s not your typical countryside sight! But that’s exactly what happened in Great Bedwyn, Wiltshire, where the Kennet and Avon Canal has gained an unexpected new resident. Walkers and boaters alike have been both baffled and delighted by the appearance of a life-sized gorilla statue, named Gerald, standing proudly next to Bruce Mason’s boat mooring.
The story behind Gerald is as charming as the statue itself. Bruce’s friends gifted him the gorilla as a 60th birthday present, and the name Gerald was chosen during a charity event held at the Three Tuns pub in Great Bedwyn. But here’s where it gets controversial: was this just a whimsical addition to the canal, or a clever way to spark conversation about conservation and community?
Bruce explains, 'I just thought a gorilla at the top of the stump would look fantastic. It started as a simple idea, but it’s turned into something much bigger.' The stump itself holds a bittersweet story—it’s all that remains of an ash tree that had to be cut down due to ash dieback. 'We missed the tree, and leaving the stump bare just felt wrong,' Bruce added. 'Gerald has given it new life.'
What began as a personal gift soon became a community effort. Bruce and his friends organized a gorilla naming ceremony to raise funds for the Bruce Trust, a charity that provides canal boat experiences for disabled individuals. And this is the part most people miss: the event not only raised £220 but also brought the community together in a unique and playful way. Gerald’s name pays homage to a scene from Not the Nine O’Clock News, starring Rowan Atkinson, adding a touch of nostalgia to the statue’s charm.
Gerald has quickly become a local celebrity, with passersby laughing and smiling as they spot him. 'His expression seems to change with the light of the day,' Bruce noted. 'It’s like he’s keeping guard over the canal.' But Gerald’s future is uncertain—will the Canal Trust allow him to stay? Is he a welcome addition to the landscape, or does he disrupt the natural beauty of the canal? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments.
For now, Gerald stands tall, a symbol of creativity, community, and the unexpected joys of rural life. Follow BBC Wiltshire on Facebook, X, and Instagram for more stories like this, and send us your own unique tales via email or WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630. Who knows? Your story might just be the next one to capture the hearts of our audience!
