T-shirt wars commence in Newtown

JIM CHIPP/The Wellingtonian

POSITIVELY NEWTOWN: David Wilcock, employee Rita Benjamin and wife Alison model t-shirts designed to promote a positive image of Newtown.

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The Wellingtonian

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"Why travel the world when you can visit Newtown?" - that's a slogan being promoted in response to recent negative publicity of the suburb instigated by local T-shirt designer Tom Lynch.

David Wilcock, a Newtown resident and business owner, has come up with some t-shirt designs of his own, after fielding complaints from the Newtown community "incensed" by Mr Lynch's t-shirts proclaiming 'Newtown - it's a bit shit' which featured on the front page of The Wellingtonian three weeks ago.

Although Mr Lynch's t-shirts sell for $55 each, Mr Wilcock's - declaring 'Why travel the world when you can visit Newtown' and 'London Paris New York Newtown' - sell for $55 for the pair.

Mr Wilcock was inspired to defend the suburb's reputation after a disapproving public reaction to what he calls "a tasteless t-shirt".

"We decided to design our own t-shirts and poke a bit of fun at Tom's t-shirt in the process."

Mr Wilcock, originally from Liverpool, has been a business owner in Newtown for 18 years and says because of the good sense of community, he wouldn't want to live anywhere else.

"I've been here for quite a few years now and I think it's quite a nice place to live."

He cited many good reasons for living in Newtown, including its multicultural feel, abundance of foreign cuisine, walking distance to the city, attractive climate, outstanding amenities and proximity to the Town Belt.

Mr Lynch wasn't aware of the retaliatory t-shirts, buts says there are already plenty of pro-Newtown shirts around, one of which he says he wears proudly.

"I live in Newtown, I work in Newtown, and I shop in Newtown. I'm pro-Newtown and people need to get a sense of humour."

In a gesture of camaraderie, Mr Wilcock has extended an exclusive invitation to Mr Lynch: "I would like to offer Tom Lynch one of our Newtown-design t-shirts to wear just in case he should feel uncomfortable wearing his own T-shirt designs."

For everyone else, the t-shirts are available for order from Amadeus Hair and Sound Studio, 187 Riddiford St Newtown. Additionally, they will be on sale at Newtown's Caltex service stations on Constable Street and Adelaide Road.

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dave   #8   05:26 pm Jan 28 2009

Response T-shirts. They are a bit shit.

Robb   #7   05:26 pm Jan 28 2009

Hate to say it, but that's a pretty lacklustre effort. Message or intention regardless, they're not exactly stylish, or even amusing. I live in Newtown and love it, yet have enough of a sense of humour to appreciate the original shirt. I'm somewhat disappointed to see that this is the best response to it.

Richard   #6   05:26 pm Jan 28 2009

I've lived in Newtown for 23 years, 12 of those in Newtown Park Flats (featured on Mr. Lynch's shirts). I love Newtown, was born and raised in Newtown, and I'm never leaving. But I have to agree, Newtown - it's a bit shit. All part of the charm :D

patrick   #5   05:26 pm Jan 28 2009

I'd buy Newtown t's if they had something interesting written on them with some cool local pics. Patrick, London but moving back to Newtown soonish

David   #4   05:26 pm Jan 28 2009

Hi Angie. LOL ...Thankyou for the suggestion, I assure you I havn't lost my sense of humour but have gained more by living here in Newtown. Why travel the world when you can experience international humour here in Newtown ? Come visit us in Newtown and see for yourself.

mel   #3   05:26 pm Jan 28 2009

Woah, $55?? So it's not only about promoting Newtown... And maybe if people didn't keep getting attacked at night and on the weekends there it wouldn't have such a bad rep.

Angie   #2   05:26 pm Jan 28 2009

Kiwis,

you need to lighten up and get a sense of humour! its meant to be tongue in cheek......and Dave as a scouser I think you have spent far too much time in Welly!!! go home and get a good dose of scouse humour mate!

"Yo"   #1   05:26 pm Jan 28 2009

Yo Newtown - One of the best suburbs in welly.

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