Meet Ronno: The Giant Rockin' Rat Taking Over Gardens and Hearts!

In the village of Little Weighton, something unusual has become the talk of the neighborhood. While most gardens have small decorations like gnomes or bird baths, Jon Seth and his family have chosen something much bigger and more eye-catching: a giant rat sculpture named Ronno. This six-foot-tall statue is painted with red and white stripes, wears a Santa hat, and holds a guitar, making it impossible to miss. Ronno was originally part of a public art trail in Hull called 'A Mischief of Rats,' which featured 45 large rat sculptures placed around the city. The trail was created to honor Mick Ronson, a famous musician from Hull who played guitar for David Bowie and was once a member of a local band called The Rats.

After the art trail ended, the sculptures were auctioned off to raise money for the Daisy Appeal, a charity that supports Castle Hill Hospital in Cottingham. The auction raised an impressive £160,000. Jon Seth and his family had sponsored Ronno during the trail and became so attached to the statue that they decided to buy it and bring it home. Jon says his wife and son have always enjoyed Hull's art trails, and when they heard about the rat trail, they quickly signed up to sponsor a rat. Their favorite was always Ronno, and when they had the chance to keep him, they couldn't say no. Now, Ronno stands proudly in their garden, bringing color and joy to their home. Jon admits that their neighbor thinks they are a bit crazy for having such a large rat in the garden, but the family loves it. They believe Ronno brightens up their outdoor space and has found the perfect spot to stand.

Another rat sculpture, named Blossom Whiskers, has found a new home at Mires Beck Nursery in Brough. This nursery provides opportunities for adults with special educational needs and disabilities. The statue is decorated with blue and yellow flowers and looks cheerful and welcoming. Ian Ridpath, the service delivery manager at the nursery, says that Blossom Whiskers has become a positive addition to their community. The statue reflects the colors of spring and summer at the nursery and brings happiness to both staff and service users. Ian says that having the sculpture has also helped more people learn about the nursery and the work they do. The service users take pride in looking after Blossom Whiskers, making sure she is well cared for. Emma, one of the service users, says they feel privileged to have the statue and hope to keep her for many years.

The story of the giant rat sculptures shows how art can bring people together and make a difference in the community. The statues are not just decorations; they have helped raise money for charity and brought smiles to many faces. Each rat is unique, with different colors and designs, and people enjoy visiting them and taking photos. Even though some people might find it strange to have a giant rat in the garden, Jon Seth, his family, and the people at Mires Beck Nursery are proud of their special statues. They hope the rats will continue to spread joy and remind everyone of the power of art and community.