THE BALL is rolling on plans to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the birth of Peter Pan creator J. M. Barrie.

Community councillors in the author’s home town of Kirriemuir are leading the drive to mark the milestone and, although it remains a few years away in 2010, those behind the effort have already put a number of ideas into the melting pot.

Following the success of an initial gathering to discuss the anniversary, a second meeting has been arranged for later this month to constitute a working group and move forward with the proposals already on the table.

Those include creating a Peter Pan trail on Kirrie Hill, a season of Barrie plays in Scottish theatres and street theatre performances.

Barrie’s enthusiasm for the game of cricket could also be marked by a match at Kirrie Hill, where the pavilion he gifted to the town was opened in 1930.

The steering group is also pursuing a commemorative stamp issue.

A Royal Mail spokesman said, “We welcome all suggestions that come from customers.

“Every year Royal Mail receives upwards of 6000 suggestions for stamp subjects from the public—individuals and organisations—which influences our stamp issues.

“It’s too early to say if there will be an issue for J. M. Barrie.”

If the bid is successful again, designs will be drawn up for consideration by the stamps advisory committee.

Their recommendations are then passed to Royal Mail for approval before being sent to the Queen, via the Department of Trade and Industry, for her approval.