Quotes From the New Hoot Owners
The Owl and the Pussycat
Previously located at The Key, St Margaret’s Street
Artist: Traci Moss
Diana Spiers, whose husband received support St Elizabeth Hospice four years ago, now has The Owl and the Pussycat at her home, said: “The last year has been great as I get to see the Owl and the Pussycat every day from my dining room window looking at me.
“The hoot has a ginger cat design on it and also an owl and one day the cat was sitting in the garden near the sculpture while and owl was watching on from a neighbour’s tree – very fitting.”
Owl-otments
Previously located Scrutton Bland
Artist: by Cathy Simpson
Richard Burrows, who now owns Owl-otments said: “Our owl sits in a very central place in our garden, waiting to greet the guests, and so far I don’t think anyone has visited us without paying attention to the owl, and complimenting us on his welcome.
“He is a most welcome new member of our family. We will continue to support St Elizabeth Hospice, who looked after a special friend of ours in his final weeks, with care and love, which we all much appreciated.”
Frida K’Owl’o
Previously located at Curtis Banks, Princes Street
Artist: Marnie Maurri
Robert Bates who purchased the Frida Kahlo inspired Big Hoot, Frida K’Owl’o, which now has pride of place in his home, added: “The Big Hoot really benefitted the local community and did a lot of good. We loved how popular the art trail was and we really enjoyed walking around the town to see the many sculptures and their designs.
“All the designs were great pieces of work and our very own Frida K’Owl’o certainly creates a reaction when people come to our home!”
Owl Hands on Deck
Previously located at Cult Café, Ipswich Waterfront
Artist: Angela Ashford
Georgina May, from Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, said: “Owl Hands on Deck has been a delightful addition to our team, looking out across the gate to Fred. Olsen House and welcoming everyone who visits – alongside our Elmer’s Big Parade statue!
“Our wonderful Hoot has also been out on the road! Having taken a trip to the Excursions 2023 show with the wonderful members of our Sales Team, where he met hundreds of people and became an engaging and exciting talking point.
“We love to support our local community and being an employer within Ipswich, it felt only natural to support a cause that is so important to many of our colleagues, as well as many members of the local community.”
- Dorothea previously called Mechanicowl
Previously located at Westgate Street
Artist: Lena Kibbler
Judi Newman, St Elizabeth Hospice Chief Executive Officer, has Dorothea in her garden, said: “At first, our three dogs were not at all sure about our Hoot but they have got used to her now. I had planned to put her near my veggie patch in the back garden, but when she was delivered, I realised that she was too beautiful to hide away so she is actually in the front garden.
“Sadly my mum died in 2022, just before the Big Hoot auction. She had been keen to support the Big Hoot and even joked whether she could buy one, even though she didn’t have a garden and lived in a small upstairs flat. So I bought it in memory of my mum, and Dorothea keeps a watchful eye on me through my kitchen window as I’m washing the dishes.
“As I work at the hospice, I had been aware of all the preparation and hard work behind the scenes to bring the Big Hoot art trail to Ipswich. So by the time the owls had landed, it was really exciting to see it come to life and we are so grateful for everything it brings to the hospice.
“It made me so happy to go through Ipswich seeing grandparents and grandchildren walking the trail together, taking fun photos and choosing their favourite owls. By the time the auction came, it is hard to say goodbye to them all but we know they continue to bring joy in all their different new homes.”
- Mabel and Friends
Previously located at Christchurch Park under Mabels’ tree
Artist: Donna Newman – Eden Designs Murals
Night Owl
Previously located at Queen Street near the Zest shop
Artist: Pip Claffey
A Hoot to Suffolk
Previously located at Dogs Head Street
Artist: Angela Ashford
Kate and Archie Adams, are now proud owners of A Hoot to Suffolk, Mabel & Friends and Night Owl, said: “We have loved having them at the house – they make us smile every day – a very positive thing!
“Unfortunately Kate’s mother, Sheila, passed away in 2022, and we decided to use some of the money that she left us to purchase the Hoots, which she would have absolutely loved. Sheila’s mother had an owl on her family coat of arms and Kate also had an owl tattoo recently as well.
“Everyone who knows us in our local village love them. They say they are lovely and are very happy that we supported an excellent cause. Many delivery drivers have also made some lovely comments about them.
“All the hospice’s art trails have been wonderful and we feel very honoured to have given the three of the Hoots a good home – and also so pleased that the money went to a wonderful cause.”
- Zentang-Owl
Previously located at Ipswich School
Artist: Alison Mayston
Kay French, who purchased one of our blank Little Hoots and Zentang-owl at the auction, said: “Family and friends love him! If they don’t know we have him they are almost astonished when they walk in and see him there.
“My two grandsons adore him and always point him out to people, they are 2-years-old so he must look enormous to them.
“We have had extensive building works done on the house this past 18 months and as a result have had a lot of deliveries, workman and trades in the house. Almost every single one has either taken photos or had there photo taken with them to show their families.
“It feels fantastic that we have been able to support such a wonderful cause. We have personal experience of St Elizabeth Hospice’s services, so it means so much that we have been able to give a little back.
“We enjoyed everything about the Big Hoot! The colour it brought to the town, the joy it brought to many, young and old alike. We especially enjoyed the auction night, we didn’t know what to expect being our first, but it won’t be our last! But most of all what we have enjoyed most is the awesome amount of money it raised to support such a fabulous cause.”
