A PERMANENT memorial for a boss and cricket chairman who made a significant contribution to the history of Worcester and the county is being planned. 

A statue for Sir George Dowty is being proposed to be erected somewhere in Worcestershire - but organisers are asking for help to decide where it should go.

Sir George was born in Pershore, Worcestershire, in 1901.

He lost sight in his right eye as a boy while making fireworks and, after attending Worcester Royal Grammar School, at the age of 15 he took up a job as an apprentice at Heenan & Froude at its factory in the city.

In 1918 he became a draughtsman with the British Aerial Transport Company in London and in 1931 set up his own company in Cheltenham making aircraft equipment and the town remained his base.

Worcester News: REMEMBERED: Sir George Dowty and second wife Lady MargueriteREMEMBERED: Sir George Dowty and second wife Lady Marguerite (Image: Newsquest)

The war years were undoubtedly good for business, his stock rose and in 1956 George Dowty was knighted for his services to industry.

Among a clutch of positions he held were president of the Royal Aeronautical Society and president of Worcester Old Elizabethans Association, the old boys association of WRGS.

He supported many causes in and around his home town of Pershore and received the Freedom of the Borough in Cheltenham and Tewkesbury.

While president of Worcestershire County Cricket Club in 1964 and 1965 the club won the County Championship and he is still remembered fondly at the club. 

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Sir George died in 1975 having moved to the Isle of Man from Cheltenham.

Martin Robins, who worked at Dowty between 1973 and 1983 and is chairman of the Sir George Dowty Memorial Committee, said a fitting tribute would be a statue for Sir George Dowty in the county. 

Mr Robins said the statue had already been funded privately and was being made - but the only issue now was where it should go.

He said they were in the process of approaching Worcestershire County Cricket Club and the Royal Grammar School as they were the "front runners", but said they were welcoming other ideas.

Mr Robins said: "His name is revered.

"Former employees appreciate what he did, he is worthy of a statue as he is widely recognised.

"If anyone wants to make a suggestion for a location please email martinrobins@btinternet.com."