Our new village sign
Our new village sign was unveiled on Saturday 22nd October in glorious sunshine by Mrs Eva Marsh, the longest serving member of the Parish Council, and about one hundred people came to the top of the church hill to watch.
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The first sign was erected in 1973. Mr Harry Carter was the designer and carver, he was a woodwork teacher I believe at Hamonds School at Swaffham. He designed many signs around Norfolk. Our sign depicted what was then called the Cathedral Ruins but as we are told now was the Bishop’s Chapel. The unveiling and blessing of the sign was performed by the Rev Derisley, our vicar at the time. The plinth or base was made from reclaimed red bricks and Norfolk flints built by local craftsman John Pask. Over the years the sign needed repairs and the occasional repaint, another local man came forward – Mr Ernie Horstead. He was a very talented artist and pursued this hobby in his spare time and in his retirement.
By the time 1999 arrived the sign had deteriorated so much that the Parish Council decided to replace it with a brand new sign. This was carried out by volunteers, Mr Shoesmith, Mr Neve and Mr Groom, who removed the old sign and Mr Lowe rebuilt the sign in the same design which has lasted until now.
Just over a year ago it was decided by the Council to replace the sign, not with timber but metal. It was proposed that designs were welcomed from parishioners and to also involve the school with a competition for designs. At a later meeting Mr Don came forward with a suggestion that we try and use local craftsmen and told us we had a blacksmith and sculptor living in the village. Contact was made and ideas were exchanged.
After a lot of thought about the project Mr Mark Tasker brought to the parish meeting a model of a proposed three sided sign. After some discussion it was unanimously agreed that we should go ahead. The sign could be viewed from all sides and would incorporate the history of the village. A price was obtained, but this was far above the sum included in the budget. The Council decided that a notice be placed in the parish magazine asking for donations. As a result we received several generous gifts and this has left us with a very small shortfall.
The sign was made by our resident blacksmith Mr Toby Winterbourn. I would call him an architectural blacksmith, as the skill that has gone into this I would say is unique. The Bishop that was previously attached to the post was given and attached by Mr George Keeble, this also has been there since 1999. This was taken down and a mould taken by another of our talented craftsmen, Mr James Paul Castle. It was then cast with very fine details and is included in the sign. The plinth as I mentioned earlier was in need of renovating, Mr Terry Garrod of Garrod Partnership has done a very good job of tidying this up.
The sign depicts the Church in 3D, the Bishop’s chapel (remains in the ruins), a waterwheel with a blue river and on the back a beautiful bunch of 3D flowers.
On that Saturday afternoon with the sun shining in a blue sky, and the lovely roses in the background, the sign looked exquisite.Well done Elmham Parish Council and everyone who was involved in any way with this new sculpture; may it delight and remain for many years to come.Norman Lowe