Trail favourite Wor Shaun has found his forever home with financial services company True Potential, and the occasion was marked with a baa-rilliant fun-filled event at the company’s head office in Newcastle.
The popular sculpture, designed by Newcastle United’s fan group Wor Flags and sponsored by Newcastle United Football Club, attracted the attention of thousands as it stood proudly outside of the Magpies home stadium, St. James’ Park throughout summer 2023.
Following the Shaun the Sheep on the Tyne art trail, this local legend caused a stir in the auction room, with the lucky bidders securing this one of a kind Shaun for a cool £11,000 – the highest seller of the night!
The homecoming party, held last Friday in partnership with the Newcastle United Foundation and Wor Flags, saw many employees and their families flocking to the company’s premises to meet the new addition and get that all important Shaun selfie!
Visitors were able to join in with a range of activities including football coaching from the Newcastle United Foundation and the chance to win a pair of match day tickets by designing their very own flag.
Refreshments were available too with a selection of delicious cakes, sweets and bakes as well as some bespoke Shaun the Sheep cupcakes.
Daniel Harrison, CEO of True Potential, welcomed the event, saying:
“It was clear from the reaction on social media that the public love Wor Shaun so we decided to host this event and create a fantastic opportunity to bring our community together in support of two remarkable organisations, St Oswald’s Hospice and the Newcastle United Foundation.”
Sat comfortably alongside Wor Shaun is Landmarks, a beautifully decorated Elmer sculpture painted by Powder Butterfly, which formed part of the Hospice’s 2019 Great North Elmer art trail. Featuring a the Tyne’s iconic bridges and other Newcastle landmarks, Daniel felt it was fitting to welcome a second, locally inspired art work in the form of Wor Shaun.
Reflecting on the pair of sculptures, Daniel added, “It’s great to have the set and to celebrate all that Newcastle has to offer. The ‘Wor Flags’ Shaun the Sheep has captured the city’s imagination and symbolises the strong sporting and community spirit that makes Newcastle so unique.”
The event wrapped up in the early evening with many commenting on how fantastic it was to meet Wor Shaun and celebrate his arrival. We hope he enjoys his new home! We would like to say a big thank you to True Potential for supporting St Oswald’s Hospice in this special way.
