>> Published Date: 21 June 2006
And one councillor has questioned whether the famous mascot is the right image for a modern resort.
East Lindsey District Council has spent £5,000 for two new Jolly Fisherman costumes. But the new look has met with strong criticism, particularly about Jolly’s ‘unsmiling’ face.
Many people first saw the new costume at the official opening of the town’s Fairy Dell paddling pool.
A heated debate started on the Standard’s website – http://www.skegnesstoday.co.uk – led by Coun John Byford. He says his own children and others he has asked have described the new face as ‘ugly’.
One remarked: “It looks like an extra from the Planet of the Apes.”
At Thursday’s Skegness Civic Society meeting David Briggs commented: “He doesn’t smile, does he?”
Coun Byford said the town council owned the copyright of the Jolly Fisherman image. He thought that council should have been consulted about the new design.
He also questioned whether Jolly gave the right image for the future. Should Skegness think about letting him go, or perhaps rebrand him in a more modern style? he asked.
James Gilbert, ELDC communications officer, said: “There is no doubt the old Jolly Fisherman needed to be replaced as it was extremely worn.
“The old head was made of fibreglass. This is not only very dated but is not very safe for the costume performer. In the case of a trip or stumble it could cause the head to splinter and cause injury inside.”
He added: “We knew the costume would never look exactly the same as the old one, as it is made in different materials. The features of the new Jolly are not dissimilar to the old head. As you’ll see he certainly has no less of a smile than before.”
The town council will debate the issue early next month.
The very ugly Jolly Fisherman ©John Byford
Jolly Fisherman 