Faye Williams winner of ‘Posse’ at Heywood Gathering of the Apes

Faye Williams with Posse

Faye Williams is the winner of Posse, one of the nine ape sculptures dotted around Heywood for Monkey Town Goes Ape.

Around 1,000 people turned out in the Heywood sunshine for the Gathering of the Apes at Cherwell Gardens on Saturday where all nine ape sculptures were on display for a farewell ahead of a prize draw to win one of the apes.

Following the parade earlier this year, the apes – Posse, Smiggle, Harambe II, Glissando Babboono, Beau, Phoo Dow, Bridget, Big Heap and Maggie – were dotted around Heywood on a three-mile Monkey Trail.

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Approximately 1,000 entries were received, with participants collecting rubbings of the unique symbol on the bases of each sculpture, which were created with local artists and schools.

Faye’s mum, Clare, was equally as delighted and commented: “We are chuffed to bits with the new member of our family.”

The remaining decorated apes will be returning back to the schools, except for Posse, who has now taken up residence in Faye’s back yard.

The runners-up all received a chocolate monkey: Maisie Crayton, Theodore Greenhalgh, Marla Davies, Susan Collison, Henry Davies, Dylan Gentle, Ronnie Habib, and Charlotte Egan.

Councillor Peter Rush, who attended the event, said: “Possibilities have worked through the Cherwell Centre a monkey trail that has gone on for the last two months throughout Heywood.

“This has created a very enthusiastic and educational throughout the town. The centre was packed out with local people having a wonderful time.”

Also taking place for the Summer Fayre were free face painting and gypsy glitz, a gin bar, funfair, stalls, car boot and donkeys.

Monkey Town Goes Ape was led by Heywood-based social enterprise PossAbilities, backed by the Big Lottery Celebrate Fund with a £10,000 grant.