College vows to replace teacher’s memorial after fire vandalism

FROME College has vowed to replace a recently unveiled memorial sculpture that was destroyed by vandals this month. 

The living willow sculpture – created in memory of much-loved teacher and site caretaker, David ‘Titch’ Titchener, who died last year – was destroyed by fire sometime in the evening between Tuesday 11th and Wednesday 12th April. The life-size sculpture of ‘Titch’ – which depicted the familiar sight of him moving items around the college with his ‘faithful trolley’ – had only been unveiled to his family the week prior.

An online fundraising page, with a target of £1,000 was set up this week and over £350 has already been donated. To donate, visit: www.justgiving.com/ crowdfunding/frome-college

Head of art at Frome College, Emma Knibbs said, “Some despicable humans set fire to our memorial sculpture. We are devastated, shocked and disgusted by this crime. This piece was unveiled to David’s family only last week. 

“We ask that anyone with info regarding this crime to please come forward with any information. Someone out in the community knows who did this. The criminals should be held accountable for their dangerous and thoughtless actions.” 

The sculpture of David ‘Titch’ Titchener, who had been with the college for 34 years, was made possible by grant funding from Frome Town Council’s People’s Budget Town vote. Students were assisted by artist, Sarah Gallagher-Hayes, to create the living willow sculpture in the grounds of the college. 

“Staff who knew and loved working with Titch also contributed by weaving lengths of willow into the form, adding their contribution to this lasting, living artwork,” explained Emma. “Titch’s impact on our school was incredible.”  

Emma, who has described the community response to the vandalism as ‘overwhelming’, has told Frome Times that she plans to launch a fundraiser to raise money to replace the sculpture. 

She said, “I am immensely grateful for people in the community who have been so kind and encouraging, supporting the idea of a rebuild. I’m confident that this is a cost we at Frome College can raise with the help of the community in the future. 

“I’d like to thank everyone for their help and kind words. A special thank you to Hayley Maddox, Little Flower Shop, Pete Taylor and the Homebase Team, Alistair Scott at the Trug & Lettuce, and those who have rallied to offer flowers, materials, time and funding for the replacement sculpture.”