| About Chris Philpotts... | I have lived in Nottingham for three years now, and have just finished a degree course at Nottingham Trent. I fell in love with the city over the three years with the nightlife, people and even the mighty Forest all playing major roles in my life. |
'Robin Hood, Robin Hood, riding through the Glen.' We all know the song, we all know the legend. Robin Hood is Nottinghamshire and Nottinghamshire is Robin Hood. In an age where everyone is looking forward I believe it is about time that Nottingham stopped and recognised its most famous son. I am of course on about a day of celebration for the legend that is Robin Hood. A Robin Hood Day. I've been out on the streets of Nottinghamshire canvassing for support. "Yeah we celebrate St Patrick's Day here in the city, let's have a day of celebration to celebrate a real local hero."
 | | Statue in the Tales of Robin Hood |
As a student coming to Nottingham three years ago I didn't really know much about the city itself. I had heard of Brian Clough and was informed early on about the rivalry with Derby. The one image I did have before coming to live in Nottinghamshire was that of Robin Hood and his connection to the area. Over the first couple of beers with my new flatmates it became apparent that they too had associated Nottinghamshire with the tights wearing outlaw. The first couple of weeks in the city were spent getting to know more about the hooded man. This included trips to the Tales of Robin Hood and an afternoon spent armed with a bow and arrow in Sherwood Forest. The city and the history that accompanies it appealed to me and gave me many a laugh while at the same time educating me about one of its greatest ever sons. "Yeah it's a good idea. People from Yorkshire are trying to nick him. They should sit down and be quiet. He's ours."
 | | Webb from The Cheese Shop |
As time went on it became clear to me that a man who supposedly robbed from the rich and gave to the poor and who was even played by a fox in one film was indeed being shunned. The renaming of the 'Robin Hood' airport recently only papered over cracks that had been appearing for some time. The changing of Nottinghamshire's symbol - from Robin Hood to the big N - was met with much outrage as it was distancing the city and the county from its most famous figure. In my eyes it can only be time until the Robin Hood Marathon gets a new name. "Worse thing we ever did was get rid of Robin Hood from the Nottingham sign. What's with the big N? The whole world knows who Robin Hood is, the Americans love him. When I went to the West Indies a few years ago, the locals, when they found out I was from Nottingham kept asking if I knew Robin Hood. He is a legend." The Robin Hood image is one that is loved around the world. The story or 'myth' as the non believers put it, is one of good triumphing over evil, of poverty and wealth; it incorporates battles and bravery, heroes and villains and even a love story. The Robin Hood legend caters for all people. This is why it has come to the time where Nottingham has to celebrate its heritage. It is time for Nottingham to stand up as a city and let the world know that Robin Hood is our hero, so come celebrate him with us. "Yeah I do definitely. It is funny you should ask, as I am going to see a mate in Newcastle and he wants me to bring a pair of green tights and a hat and bow and arrow. People from Nottingham are associated with Robin Hood." To see if I was alone in my belief that Nottingham should have a Robin Hood day to honour the historical figure, I traversed the streets of Nottingham to see what 100 people walking the city streets thought. Out of the 100 asked 87 people were pro a day of celebration, with a further five in favour as long as it incorporated a day off. Only two people were against the idea of a day of celebration. All in all the people were in favour of a Robin Hood day for the city. "No, Nottingham should act upon its contemporary culture rather than dwelling on its historical heritage."
 | | Robinhoodalikes (aka French tourists) |
Robin Hood has been a legend in Nottingham for over 900 years. Let's make sure his legend carries on for another 900 by honouring him with a day of celebration and to confirm Nottinghamshire's place as the home of the sheriff's arch enemy. Here are just a few of the views of for and against an official Robin Hood Day... "Yeah he is a legend. He is Nottingham. Should have a Brian Clough day as well." "Yeah we should do. What would Sheffield say though as he might be from there. Loxley is near Sheffield. He might be from there." "Yeah as long as we all get to dress up as Robin for the day." "Yeah it will help the city in a business sense." "Yeah it will help in terms in tourism. Doncaster has Robin Hood airport. Let’s solidify the fact that he is from Nottingham." "Let the World know he’s ours. It can only be a good thing." "Yeah Yorkshire want him. He’s ours though. Let’s show it." | 
