Public back golden sculpture for homecoming for Northwich's Olympic hero

Northwich Town Council hopes to see thousands of people line the streets to greet Matthew, who struck rowing gold at the Rio Olympics.

Matthew will travel on an open top double decker bus to the Memorial Court, where he will receive the Freedom of Northwich before attending a civic reception.

After watching the parade pass the crowds are asked to gather at the rear of Memorial Court to see Matthew receive the scroll from Northwich Town Mayor Kevin Rimmer.

Matthew’s success is being acknowledged by the painting gold of the blue balls sculpture at the riverside entrance to Memorial Court.

The town council is organising the homecoming, and came up with the idea of the golden sculpture, which has been overwhelmingly backed by the public.

“The sculpture looks magnificent, and is in tune with what we’re doing to celebrate Matt’s achievement,” said Cllr Sam Naylor.

“The parade will start from Verdin Park at midday, and should last for about 30 minutes.

“It will be led by Manchester Samba School, and 10 minutes before it begins Northwich Rowing Club will hand out a thousand Union Jack flags for children to wave as the parade passes.

“We’re asking everyone to come along, as we don’t want anyone to miss out on the opportunity to give Matt the reception he so richly deserves.

“We want it to be a special day for Matt and a unique day for the town.”

To publicise the homecoming Cllr Naylor has put up banners at the entrances to the town.

The sculpture has been painted by Northwich Town Council gardener Pete Glover, who was in the year above Matthew at Hartford High School, and is to remain gold for 12 months.

“People have been stopping to take pictures of the balls, and were giving the thumbs-up when they passed as I was painting them,” he said.

“Northwich is on the up, and the parade will bring the town together. It’s not every day Northwich has an Olympic hero, and I will be going to see the celebrations with my children.”