Godshill Model Village on the Isle of Wight has reinstated its tiny topless streaker figurine, Erica, after an overwhelming public vote. The miniature, removed from the football pitch following complaints, will now appear in secret locations across the gardens to raise funds for a local breast cancer charity.
Landslide vote for return
The owners launched an online poll after a backlash from fans. Of 5,023 votes cast, 98 per cent (5,023 people) supported Erica's return, while only 66 people (two per cent) voted against. Regular visitor Rupert Willoughby had criticised the removal, saying the figure represented the site's "whimsical sense of humour".
New twist and charity purpose
Announcing the return on Instagram, the venue said: "She will be returning…but this time swapping the football pitch for various secret locations around the gardens. We would like her return to help raise awareness and funds for a wonderful local breast cancer charity. So if you spot her hiding in the gardens, there will be a donation pot nearby if you'd like to show your support."
Fans celebrated the decision. Marion Kent wrote: "Some people need a sense of humour transplant!" Christine Egleton added: "She's been around much longer than the 'delicate' generation."
Artistic origin and defence of removal
Erica was created by local artist Helen Woodhouse for the venue, which features one-tenth-scale versions of Godshill and Shanklin villages. Director Penny Dyer had defended the initial removal, saying: "Streaking was very much a feature of a different era. It is far less common and is no longer something that younger visitors recognise, so the model has lost much of its original relevance."
