This petition is in support of a campaign to permanently relocate the statue of cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin from London to Manchester.
st spaceflight was commemorated around the world on 12th April 2011. A statue of Yuri Gagarin, an exact copy of the one outside the college in Lyubertsy near Moscow where he studied Foundry work, was unveiled outside the British Council Office in London on July 14th 2011. The statue can stay in that location only for 12 months.
Three month after his historic flight on 12th April 1961, Yuri Gagarin visited London and Manchester between 11th and 15th July 1961. Both cities marked the 50th anniversary of this visit with exhibitions and receptions.
Manchester was the only place outside London that Gagarin visited during his five days in Britain. He visited the Amalgamated Union of Foundry Workers (AUFW) office in Old Trafford, Metrovick in Trafford Park and Manchester Town Hall. On the first anniversary of his flight, 12th April 1962, he sent a message to the AUFW in which he said
“It’s a long time since I was a moulder but I haven’t forgotten the trade. I’m proud to belong to the working class, which brought me up and sent me on the road to outer space. [...] I shake your hands again, dear brothers, and wish you success in your life and work! Inscribed on the gold medal which you gave me in Manchester are the words: ‘Together we shall mould a better world!’”
Gagarin’s historic 108 minute flight was his only spaceflight, he died in an air crash in 1968.
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About this petition
Who is sponsoring it? No one. This is a personal initiative to increase awareness of a connection between the people of Manchester and a unique historical event. If the statue does come to Manchester it will help maintain this connection for future generations.
Who is supporting this campaign? Manchester City Council marked the 50th anniversary of Gagarin’s Manchester visit with a reception in the same room and time, exactly 50 years on at the Town Hall on 12th July 2011. The council supports this campaign. Other individuals and organisations wishing to get involved, please sign the petition above and add comments below.
Why can the statue not stay in London? The planning permission for the current location (outside the British Council Office close to Trafalgar Square) is limited to twelve months
How is this competition organised? There is no competition. The statue was a gift from Roscosmos (Russia’s equivalent of NASA) to the British Council. The British Council and others will decide where the statue will go next.
Where in Manchester will the statute be located? At the present it is not clear that it will come to Manchester. The location has not been fixed if it does. Potentially it could be anywhere including the many town squares and parks within the city centre or Trafford Park. If you have a specific location in mind -add a comment below.
Do I have to be based in Manchester to sign this petition? No. You don’t even have to be based in the UK. The intention is to generate interest and awareness.
What is the petition target? The goal is 1000 ‘signatures’ by 31st December 2011 and a some fun along the way. I will send out an occasional update via my twitter account @gurbirsingh.
How will I know my signature has been accepted? You will see the following message once you hit the submit button “Thanks for your support. I will email an update in December but will use Twitter (@gurbirsingh) for ocassional updates.”
What is the title of the book referred to in the Radio Interview above? Yuri Gagarin in London and Manchester. More here.
Is their a video recording of the unveiling ceremony?Click below.
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