Gef’s Top Five Statue-Worthy Legends (And a Boat)

With the recent planning application for a statue of King Orry near Tynwald Hill, it got us at Mongoose HQ thinking—who else deserves immortalisation in bronze (or at least something that won’t rust in Manx weather)?

Gef the Mongoose

First up, let’s address the glaring omission—how do we NOT have a statue of Gef?

A world-famous talking mongoose, and yet not a single tribute in statue form? Absolute robbery.

Bushy’s have already honoured us with the Dalby Spook ale (now pouring in select pubs, just saying), but we think it’s time the taxpayers chipped in for something truly majestic.

A 10ft statue of Gef on a rock, mid-sassy remark. A national treasure. No complaints, guaranteed.

Sir Mark Cavendish

The Tour de France’s most prolific stage winner was crowned Sportsman of the Year (again) AND picked up the Lifetime Achievement award at the Villa Marina last week.

The NSC perimeter road is now officially the Sir Mark Cavendish Raceway, but is that enough? No.

We propose a statue of Cav, mid-sprint, grimace and all. Maybe even one of those interactive ones where you press a button, and he shouts at his lead-out man.

The Ben-my-Chree

With stationary boats dominating the news lately (sorry, Manxman, we know you didn’t mean to run aground), why not celebrate one that spent 25 years successfully bobbing back and forth across the Irish Sea?

Criticised originally for being uncomfortable, having a tiny passenger lounge, and generally being a bit of a floating tin can, over 25 years on the Ben-my-Chree now holds a special place in our hearts.

A statue of her docked permanently somewhere? Iconic.

Samantha Barks as Pufferfish

Laxey’s own Sam Barks was recently unmasked as Pufferfish on ITV’s The Masked Singer, proving that even internationally acclaimed West End stars can have a bit of fun.

We say celebrate this moment with a Pufferfish Sam Barks statue in Laxey. Dual purpose—honouring an incredible Manx talent and scaring young kids near the Train Station so they behave.

Milky Quayle

TT legend, former bus driver, and one of the most recognisable faces in the paddock, Milky Quayle is long overdue some statue love.

He’s far too busy these days running Paramount City on the prom, so why not create a talking statue that speaks in Milky’s unmistakable tones?

Pop it anywhere on the 37.7-mile TT course, and visitors will be queuing up for a selfie.

Who Else?

Have we missed anyone? Who else deserves a statue on the Isle of Man? Let us know—serious or not, we want to hear your ideas!