Monkey Island Project
The true history of the Monkey Island nickname, as applied to the Parish of Wellington Heath, has been part of the folklore of this area for well over a century. The real history of the name can be found on our sister site History-of-Wellington-Heath.
The history that has been written for the 'Monkey Island' project is pure fiction, but could well become a further piece of folklore in years to come. During the summer of 1988 some locals gossiped by the Farmers Arm’s Bar, discussing the Monkey Island name. Plots were hatched, stupidities discussed, and possibilities bandied about. Then, with the disappearance of the famous blue British Passport, a decision was taken to declare independence for the village under the banner of Monkey Island, independent from the rest of the U.K. with its own passports, customs posts, government departments, and everything that goes into the make-up of a new independent state. The prime objectives were to promote harmony, have fun and laughter, to contribute to village life and activities, and the bottom line was that any money raised would go to local charities.
A Press Release with the headline “The Monkeys’ are Revolting” was prepared, and cheekily sent to West Midlands media. Within 48 hours there was an almost overwhelming response from TV, Radio and Newspapers. They all took it up and wanted to feature this event because of its originality and humour. None of the initiators had been prepared for what actually happened. Within hours what had been a local event turned up on national, and even international news.
A fictitious history of Monkey Island was written about King Ochre Hill, and his daughter Angina. Varicose the Vein, a local warlord, rather fancied Angina, and laid siege to our local Kingdom to get his wicked way. This “predawn history” came to light when a team exploring the ancient monkey gland mine on Ochre Hill unearthed the burial chamber of King Ochre together with the earliest known writings yet discovered, rudely marked on dinosaur skin.
The village officially declared independence, at one minute after midnight, New Year 1989, at the Farmers Arms. The media, with TV cameras, were present, bagpipes were played, and the new republic’s flag raised. The resulting reportage can still be viewed at the bottom of this page.
Everyone involved in the project made enormous efforts to get it off the ground and make it work. A package of schemes, and idiotic ideas such as linking Lundy Island with Stavanger by nuclear powered tramway with a station on the Farmers Arms Car Park, raising an Army of 3 men, 1 boy and a tandem, a programme of the Monkey Island Free Radio, with such features as 'Desert Island Coconuts', the 'Junglies' (an everyday story of Gorilla folk); all helped create the surreal atmosphere.
A letter was written to President Reagan, as he then was, inviting him to be our first President. Peter Temple-Morris, then our MP, was appointed as our representative at Westminster. Three foreign Consuls were appointed, one in Italy, one in Mallorca, and one in Wales. The initial foolery was great fun! A large number of locals joined in. Some are still around (2024)! A national anthem was composed, and the fantastically mad project got off the ground.
The group was most active for the 5 years between 1989 and 1993, raising approximately £8,000 for charity, the main charity being St. Michael’s Hospice, (approx. £23,000 in 2023 values). In the village the phone box got repainted, and repaired. Some of the first daffodils that were planted on village road verges were from the group. An annual Village Fun Day (which continued intermittently as the Village Fete), a Dog Show, Quiz Nights, a Car Treasure Hunt, and Bonfires at Halloween featured amongst the various activities. The group took a float at one Ledbury Carnival, and also had an entrant to the London Marathon during those early years. Engraved crystal drinking glasses, and sweat shirts were sold to raise money.
A sale of Monkey Island Memorabilia took place to raise more funds for charity. Many world leaders were asked for items that could be auctioned. President Reagan sent a gilt bronze medallion, there was a miniature signed cricket bat from John Major, and an old “Kipper” tie from Niel Kinnock, amongst a number of polite rejections for the Royal Family, which were also sold; naturally!
The group continued spasmodically for a short while after 1994 with some helping to raise money for the purchase of Pool Piece 1998. In 2023 there was a renewal of interest in the story of The Independent Republic of Monkey Island, and the flag once again flew at the Farmers Arms.
Passports are still available at the 1989 price of £5, with all proceeds going to charity, presently to our Parish Church restoration.
