Case Study

Client: Shanly Homes

Project:

Diana Dors Plaque and Alligator Unveiling

Category: PR

What does an alligator, Maidenhead town centre and Diana Dors have in common?
Well a lot more than you would think! Mid 20th-century actress Diana Dors ran the El Tucan Café in Maidenhead in the 60’s. In its day it was THE place to be seen and was frequented by all the young trendies in Berkshire. One of Diana’s most famed movies was the musical romance film ‘An Alligator named Daisy’, which starred Dors as the leading lady. Leading Home Counties housebuilder, Shanly Homes, is creating an entire public art trail through its flagship scheme, Waterside Quarter, which lies in the very heart of Maidenhead alongside the York Stream, where Daisy the Alligator now resides to keep a watchful eye on the waterway.

The Challenge:
Our client tasked us with creating a bit of a ‘splash’ with the unveiling of this fabulous sculpture.

The Solution:
Using the power of the internet and Instagram we were able to track down the granddaughter of Diana Dors, Ruby Lake who was delighted to be a part of the celebration of her grandmother. Ruby has followed in Diana’s footsteps and also has a career in the film industry. The date was set for September 25th which beautifully dovetailed with an event being run by Maidenhead Waterways to celebrate the official opening of the waterway which has been a project that has spanned several years. Canoeists and paddleboarders, boys and girls, ladies and gents, cubs and scouts and even the odd dog, took to the water to enjoy this new heart to the town. Maidenhead’s MP and previous Prime Minister, Theresa May, was also at the event and came to help Ruby unveil the alligator and plaque in memory of her beloved grandmother.

On the day:
Despite the fact that the previous day had been a glorious sunny September day, Saturday 25th wasn’t so kind, but this didn’t dampen any spirits. The local community that took to the water had a fabulous time paddling around catching balls, popping bubbles and getting generally a bit damp. Ruby and Theresa did a splendid job of unveiling the alligator and the plaque, while several other notable Councillors and the local Mayor all came to enjoy the spectacle along with many residents and onlookers. Newly launched F45 gym also opened their doors at Shanly’s Waterside Quarter that day adding even more entertainment. Lots of local businesses had stands close by, while a selection of talented buskers entertained the crowds in the amphitheatre.

Watch this space for the next sculpture reveal where you will be connected with a local farm animal.