A SCULPTURE of a stag on a roundabout in Gillingham has been repaired following recent vandalism. 

The stag, found on Peacemarch roundabout, saw its antler broken by vandals but it has now been repaired by its creator, who has been thanked by a member of the public. 

A Gillingham resident, who asked to be referred to by their nickname BB, noticed someone repairing the stag and stopped to give their thanks. 

It was only upon striking up a conversation that BB was told it was the sculptor’s creator, Pauline Dawkins. 

BB said: “One’s faith in human nature is restored by Pauline’s kind actions and talent.  

“A big thankyou to her, and to the council and gardeners who look after him generally.” 

BB said that the stag, which they lovingly call Sir Gilbert, is an icon of Gillingham and is a “delightful feature on our well maintained Peacemarsh roundabout.” 

Unfortunately, BB said this is not the first time the stag has been vandalised. 

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Pauline said she had been travelling home when she saw the stag’s injuries and decided to stop and fix them following the damage as she had the necessary materials and high vis jacket in the car with her.  

Sir Gilbert is joined by stunning sculptures of a white stag and two red deer placed on the roundabout to the gateway of the town. 

Pauline created the sculptures around the town from recycled chicken wire following a commission from the former North Dorset District Council and Gillingham Town Council. 

The original idea came from local artist Janet Swiss, a former member of Gillingham’s Town Team, to represent Gillingham as a former Royal Forest favoured in Medieval times by King John and King Henry III.  

The forest was used to supply the Royal larder with meat and timbers for Royal buildings.