Latest news
‘Robin’s alive!’ - Brian Blessed speaks out (loudly) for Sherwood Forest
Updated on: 26 October 2007
Actor, author, presenter and national treasure Brian Blessed is backing Sherwood Forest’s campaign to win the BIG Lottery Fund’s: The People’s £50 Million Contest.
Watch Brian’s video supporting Sherwood at www.thepeoples50million.org.uk/projects/sherwood You’ll be able to see our 15-minute project documentary featuring Brian Blessed on Wednesday December 5th (subject to ITV scheduling)
The son of a South Yorkshire miner, Brian grew up just 20 miles away from Sherwood as visited often as a child.
Brian recalls: “I can remember as a youngster living in South Yorkshire spending many happy days cycling down to Sherwood and exploring the Forest’s great oaks. We must ensure that future generations have that same opportunity to value and appreciate and enjoy this magnificent old forest.”
Brian’s many television roles include; PC Fancy Smith in Z Cars, Porthos in The Three Musketeers and Richard IV in Black Adder. On the big screen Brian is perhaps best known for playing Vultan in the ever popular Flash Gordon, Lord Locksley in Robin Hood Prince of Thieves with Kevin Costner and more recently Boss Nass in George Lucas’ Star Wars – The Phantom Menace.
Brian also has a thriving career as a best-selling author. He has written five books including Blessed Everest, an inspiring abbreviated history of Everest.
“All our forests are important but none more so than Sherwood. So much of our country’s heritage, the essence of our people, our culture, our history is bound up in Sherwood through the legend of Robin Hood. We really should treat this once mighty forest and its ancient oaks with the respect and awe that it deserves.” says Brian.
Faye Booker, Strategic Director for Sherwood: the Living Legend, said: “I met Brian in September when he came along to do some filming. He’d agreed with great enthusiasm to front Sherwood Forest’s proposal for £50m of BIG lottery funding.
“He’s such a larger than life character. He has a genuine affection for Sherwood. He has an amazing presence – and that voice is just so instantly recognisable. We decided if the Major Oak could speak it would sound just like Brian Blessed – loud, noble and quintessentially English.”
To pledge your support to Sherwood: the Living Legend and receive details of how to vote text Robin to 81025 (standard network rates) or register at robinhood.co.uk/signup
On-line voting starts at 9am on Monday 26th November 2007, for more information visit www.thepeoples50million.org.uk
News archive
December 2007
November 2007
Paul Cook - Senior Ranger
Now Paul is in the middle of one of the most demanding challenges he has faced as a key member of the team fighting to win the People’s £50 Million Lottery contest.
Updated on: 16 November 2007
Wildlife Trust and Local Brewery team up to support Sherwood Forest’s ‘stout’ oaks in Lottery Vote
Updated on: 9 November 2007
October 2007
‘Robin’s alive!’ - Brian Blessed speaks out (loudly) for Sherwood Forest
Updated on: 26 October 2007
Sherwood Forest’s one in four shot at lottery millions – the future of Robin Hood’s forest is in your hands!
Updated on: 23 October 2007
September 2007
The UK says “We love trees!”
A new UK wide public opinion survey by the Forestry Commission.
Updated on: 28 September 2007
August 2007
Robin Hood Festival – visitor numbers reach 10 year high!
Over 75,000 visitors enjoyed the festival last week!
Updated on: 7 August 2007
July 2007
Sherwood’s future on display at Robin Hood Festival
70,000 visitors asked to pledge support for Sherwood: the Living Legend
Updated on: 25 July 2007
May 2007
April 2007
Help Sherwood Forest get minted?
Design a living legend coin for the Robin Hood Festival!
Updated on: 20 April 2007
Find out more about proposals for Sherwood Forest visitor complex
Edwinstowe Library from Monday 9 April 2007
Updated on: 4 April 2007
Vote for Sherwood Forest on UKTV History!
Vote Sherwood Forest as Britain’s best historical site.
Updated on: 2 April 2007
March 2007
January 2007
Sherwood Forest's amazing new tree
New visitor complex capturing the spirit of Sherwood Forest
Updated on: 16 January 2007
