A MUCH-LOVED 'ambassa-cat' has been memorialised in bronze in Saltburn.
A statue of Hendrix the Cat who cheered people up roaming around the beach and Saltburn Pier and Amusements was unveiled yesterday (Wednesday 11 June).
He became so beloved in Saltburn by residents and visitors that when he died in September the community came together to crowd fund and commission the statue which now has pride of place on the lower promenade.
Hendrix died at the age of 12 last September surrounded by his human family, Nathan Bye and Hannah Chiarella and their daughters, aged six and eight. His father was a wildcat and he first showed his adventurous personality on Tyneside where he was often seen riding the Metro or hitching lifts on buses in Whitley Bay. When the family moved to Saltburn the beach became his new hangout spot.
More than 150 people attended the unveiling including Hendrix's family, members of the community who knew him.
Hendrix’s human ‘mum’ Hannah said that they did not expect to raise the funds required for the statue and that it was lovely that Hendrix has a permanent spot overlooking the beach that he loved so much.
“It is wonderful that all his lovely friends can still visit him and remember him through his statue, she said. “It just shows how loved he was. We used to get messages from people saying how they would be at the beach, maybe feeling down, and Hendrix would just pop up.”
Others in the crowd spoke fondly of their own relationships with Hendrix. Julie Hunt, of Skelton, East Cleveland, said she was pleased it was her photo that was used for the sculpture. She said: “He was always here and so lovely. I actually came to take photos of dolphins off the coast but couldn’t help taking some of lovely Hendrix.” Jan Norman, of Saltburn, said Hendrix would come into her home and she still has photos of him in her house on her phone. “Everyone knew loved him for years. He would walk so slowly up the road, grabbing attention.”
Mayor of Redcar and Cleveland, Cllr Ian Hart, delivered a short speech before unveiling the statue. He said: "Hendrix was a big celebrity in Saltburn, often seen on the prowl around the seafront, taking trips to the beach, pier amusements and cafes. He also had a large social media following around the world. I'm sure (the sculpture) will bring joy to people visiting Saltburn."
Cllr Alec Brown, Leader of Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council, said: "Hendrix brought a lot of joy, including during Covid, and it is wonderful that he is being remembered in this way. It's been heartwarming to see so many people contributing and coming together to remember him and the happiness and comfort he brought with messages coming in from as far as Canada. Well done to his 'mum' and 'dad' Hannah and Nathan - and absolutely everyone involved."
Jan Norman, of Saltburn, said Hendrix would come into her home and she still has photos of him in her house on her phone. “Everyone knew loved him for years. He would walk so slowly up the road, grabbing attention.”
Hannah and Nathan thanked the council for its support, including installing the statue. They also thanked sculptor Peter Close. A plaque will be added next week with Hendrix’s details.