LYMM’S only wine shop may have closed – but a familiar character who inhabited the shop night and day for the last three years will not be leaving the village.
Rene, the comical Frenchman who sat outside the shop with a glass of wine in all weathers, has been officially presented to the Lymm Festival.
Every year, Rene changed his normal suave, sophisticated image somewhat to take part in the Festival scarecrow competition.
Now he has moved in with scarecrow competition organiser Pam Hunter.
But he has not gone into retirement. Pam intends to use him to publicise the competition each year and he will also play a role in the annual Food Fest.
Rene was created by Julie Hatton, who managed the wine shop for more than 20 years but who, sadly, died 18 months ago.
Jean Hughes, assistant manager for more than 14 years said: “I am please Julie’s creation is to live on. Rene now has a new role in the Lymm Festival and will continue to play a part in village life.
“He was always an attraction and has had his photograph taken with countless visitors.”
Rene is pictured with Jean and Pam.
