The society decided to allocate a part of the fortune on a memorial, a statue.
Model of the statue as envisioned by artist Hazel Reeves with the controversial duck.
Photo: The Guardian
TheMallardwas, without doubt, Sir Gresleys finest achievement.
With an aerodynamic body atypical of steam locomotives, and a high powered engine, theMallardwas designed for speed.
When applying for planning permission, the societys trust stated: This duck is no mere whimsy.
It is also an allusion to Sir Nigels habit of feeding mallards at his prewar home in Salisbury Hall.
But Gresleys family disapproved the duck.
Its a statue of a man, not a stupid duck, Tim Godfrey had reportedly protested.
Oddly, Godfrey himself is a breeder of rare ducks.
The fastest steam locomotive in the world.
Photo:P.A.King/Flickr
The Society was divided on the duck.
Some pro-duck members started an online petition and managed to collect more than three thousand signatures.
Which is the statue that you are going to take your grandchildren to see?
asked duck supporter Vanessa Feltz.
Im 100% pro-duck.
Duck-supporters attended the unveiling carrying rubber ducks and duck balloons to voice their protest.
