31 replies to this topic

[D28]

As reported on the Racing site, the bronze statue outside the Museum in Berthierville has been stolen, probably for its bronze content.

 

Thieves like this really have a lot to answer for, the metal content is minimal, But the symbolic value to racing fans worldwide is immeasurable

 

https://www.theglobe...ula-one-racing/

[JacnGille]

[E1pix]

We’re poor but would donate $500 to Mr. Lasalle if a recreation is needed.

This entire affair makes me want to say a whole bunch of really bad words.

Sorry, Joann. Sad.

[marksixman]

Blood boiling here.

 

Absolutely disgusting.

[B Squared]

No words to accurately express how pissed off I am about this.

[Collombin]

No words to accurately express how pissed off I am about this.

Have a go, there's no better thread to test the forum software's profanity filter.

[B Squared]

I think there are many here that would just as soon see me gone, no sense in giving them the opportunity to do so.

[D28]

For an understanding of the scrap value, Can Motorsport Historical Society reports bronze is worth around $2.50 .lb. And the reward offered by local businessmen is $12,000. Really staggering sums, the thieves cannot be top of the local criminal pyramid. Given the enormous popularity of Gilles, they may have a hard time moving their prize.

[Vitesse2]

Its fate will depend on how tightly scrap merchants and forges are regulated in Canada. We had a spate of metal theft in the UK in the early 2000s - copper and bronze mainly - and the regulations were tightened up.

 

https://www.recyclem...your-scrap.html

 

The biggest loss was a Henry Moore reclining figure which was estimated to be worth £3 million and probably only netted the thieves £1500.

 

https://www.theguard...eclining-figure

 

This one was never recovered: https://www.bbc.co.u...otland-34350011

[E1pix]

I think there are many here that would just as soon see me gone, no sense in giving them the opportunity to do so.

I’m convinced a lot of us would…

Like *gone to a race, with us*, *gone camping, with us*, *gone together anywhere, with us*.

[VWV]

I live in Cambridge, Ontario, Canada and we have had an epidemic of copper and bronze plaque and monument thefts from city parks, buildings etc in the past year. Churches have had copper roof tiles stolen. Like the rest of the world we have social/economic/political issues to deal with and are not doing an good job. We now live in a self absorbed society with clear differences between the haves and the have not's. Social commentary rant over.

[JacnGille]

I think there are many here that would just as soon see me gone,...

Not me.

[10kDA]

Incredible. Here's hoping the statue is returned intact and the thieves face extremely dire consequences.

[Jim Thurman]

Considering the common theft of copper wiring from infrastructure, such as light standards (leaving streets and roads darkened), theft of bronze grave markers and other statues, race fans will just have to take a number and stand in line in their outrage. We're a motorsports forum, but Gilles statue is hardly the first stolen. Earlier this year there was the case where a statue of baseball pioneer Jackie Robinson was stolen, then found destroyed.

Edited by Jim Thurman, 02 November 2024 - 17:52.

[FLB]

No words to accurately express how pissed off I am about this.

It's making the major news outlets in Québec. People are outraged.

 

Gilles is a national hero here.

Edited by FLB, 02 November 2024 - 20:39.

[SamoanAttorney]

I think there are many here that would just as soon see me gone, no sense in giving them the opportunity to do so.

Not I, you are an important part of the Nostalgia Gang....it is part of what makes this place special.

[John Ginger]

I think there are many here that would just as soon see me gone, no sense in giving them the opportunity to do so.

Not me either

[Doug Nye]

Neither do I - this place really would be immeasurably poorer...

 

On the subject of racing driver statues - considering them upon individual merit - or likeness - and not at all upon the due honour they pay to the individual they commemorate - most that I have seen would really merit scrapping.

 

DCN

[B Squared]

I humbly accept the support from all of you. Thank you.

[E1pix]

Earlier this year there was the case where a statue of baseball pioneer Jackie Robinson was stolen, then found destroyed.

That chaps my buttocks all over again.

[B Squared]

Back to Mr. Villeneuve; a photo I took and posted long ago, this isn't the greatest copy, but a favorite memory from Watkins Glen in 1979. This is in the Kendall Garage prior to the legendary wet weather session. Another reason I remain passionate about this racer.

Edited by B Squared, 03 November 2024 - 10:07.

[JacnGille]

Back to Mr. Villeneuve; a photo I took and posted long ago, this isn't the greatest copy, but a favorite memory from Watkins Glen in 1979. This is in the Kendall Garage prior to the legendary wet weather session. Another reason I remain passionate about this racer.

I was there too. 

[2F-001]

I think there are many here that would just as soon see me gone...

Really?!  What did I miss...?

[PCC]

Its fate will depend on how tightly scrap merchants and forges are regulated in Canada. We had a spate of metal theft in the UK in the early 2000s - copper and bronze mainly - and the regulations were tightened up.

 

https://www.recyclem...your-scrap.html

 

The biggest loss was a Henry Moore reclining figure which was estimated to be worth £3 million and probably only netted the thieves £1500.

 

https://www.theguard...eclining-figure

 

This one was never recovered: https://www.bbc.co.u...otland-34350011

Wasn't there also a rash of theft of lead from parish church roofs?

 

As for the Gilles statue, I never saw it and have no thoughts on its artistic merit. But to steal the town's monument to its local hero, simply to get a few bucks on the black market, is arguably even more despicable that trashing a public monument for ideological reasons.

[D28]

Back to Mr. Villeneuve; a photo I took and posted long ago, this isn't the greatest copy, but a favorite memory from Watkins Glen in 1979. This is in the Kendall Garage prior to the legendary wet weather session. Another reason I remain passionate about this racer.

 

A great photo, all the more because it is totally candid. Hard to read Gilles  expression, determination, apprehension of weather conditions? Hard to say, but thanks so much for posting.

[Vitesse2]

Wasn't there also a rash of theft of lead from parish church roofs?

 

That's been a problem for decades, although the tightening of regulation on scrapyards seems to have cut it back. Not completely though. Two churches near me were targeted just before Christmas last year. Historic England now recommend replacing stolen lead with coated stainless steel.
 

[WonderWoman61]

No respect! Simple as!

[ensign14]

That's been a problem for decades, although the tightening of regulation on scrapyards seems to have cut it back. Not completely though. Two churches near me were targeted just before Christmas last year. Historic England now recommend replacing stolen lead with coated stainless steel.
 

There was some footage of this on the BBC.

 

[dbltop]

As I said in the other thread on this, ARREST the scrap dealers that accept this stuff. They have to know it's stolen!!

[B Squared]

Son Jacques reactions:

https://globalnews.c...-statue-stolen/

[marksixman]

Any other updates on this, anyone ?

[B Squared]

Jacques' statement is the last fresh news that I've been able to find.