Unveiling of bronze tribute to 'British Schindler', Sir Nicholas Winton

Sir Nicholas Winton - the Maidenhead resident known as the 'British Schindler' for his heroic rescue of hundreds of children in the run-up to World War II - is to be honoured by the unveiling of a life-size statue of himself on Saturday 18 September.

The bronze, created by local sculptor Lydia Karpinska, will be sited on the Reading-bound platform 3 at Maidenhead railway station - reflecting the mode of transport Sir Nicholas organised to get more than 600 Jewish children away from Nazi-occupied Czechoslovakia to Britain more than 70 years ago.

Sir Nicholas, now 101 and having sat for the artist to enable her to make the mould, is expected to attend the unveiling which will be carried out at 12.30pm by Maidenhead MP and Home Secretary Theresa May. The Mayor, Cllr Catherine Bursnall, will also be present, along with representatives from First Great Western and Network Rail.

The bronze depicts Sir Nicholas relaxing on a park bench, reading a book which contains images of the children he saved and the trains used to secrete them out of the country to safety. The cover of the book says:
Winton train
Prague to Liverpool Street
Station 1939
14 March to 2 August
669 children saved
By Sir Nicholas Winton

One of the 669 children rescued by Sir Nicholas was Windsor resident Ruth Drahota, who was just nine years old at the time.

Mrs Drahota, who has lived in Windsor for more than 30 years, said: "I feel incredibly lucky, not just because Nicky saved my life, but also that I eventually got the opportunity to get to know him as a friend. I know I'm not just speaking for myself, but for my whole quite extensive family - whom I wouldn't have if it wasn't for Nicky - when I say that we are all inspired by him. Even at the age of 101, he is still the caring, determined and exceptional person he was all those years ago and we all love him for it."

The statue is the result of a unanimous council decision in September 2009, following a motion proposed by Cllr Derek Wilson, seconded by Cllr Mike Holness, recognising Sir Nicholas' significant courage and achievement.

Cllr Wilson said he was delighted to see the statue become a reality. He said: "Sir Nicholas has been a life-long hero ever since I heard how he organised transport for 669 Jewish children who faced certain death if they had stayed in their homeland.

"Typical of Sir Nicholas' modesty, he kept the story to himself for many years but since it became public his heroic efforts on behalf of those young people have been an inspiration to many.

"This statue is the borough's way of paying tribute to a truly great man."

Cllr Holness said he was honoured to be associated with the council motion and added: "The artist has captured the essence of Sir Nicholas and his story in a bronze that is both commanding and very moving. Locating it at Maidenhead station means thousands of people - both borough residents and visitors - will see it on a daily basis. It will be a permanent reminder of a good and selfless deed in a dark world."

First Great Western's managing director, Mark Hopwood, said: "Sir Nicholas is a credit to our country, and the bravery he exercised and lives he saved should not be forgotten. We're delighted to see this fitting and lasting tribute to one of our greatest local heroes taking pride of place at Maidenhead station."

A former banker and local businessman, Sir Nicholas worked after the war with the United Nations in Geneva helping to resolve the massive refugee problems at that time.

He has long associations with many local voluntary organisations and as well as being president of MENCAP he is a life member of MIND. He is perhaps best known for his work for Abbeyfield Homes in this area and, indeed, the Windsor home bears his name.

The £20,000 statue was commissioned by the council and provided thanks to public art funding through developers' contributions.

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