OUR VILLAGE SIGN

Our village sign was erected, then unveiled on 23rd June 2019.

The old sign had been up since 1960, but over the years the wood had become rotten and was badly in need of repair. John Reeve, a local farmer and artist, who had painted the sign for years, noticed the damage.

 Richard Lees, who had developed his skill as an expert wood carver and craftsman after his retirement from the army, generously offered to design and make a new sign. He had restored the sign in Geldeston, and created a new one in Ellingham.

Richard gave a very informative talk about the design of the sign, which reflects

the past, present, and future of the village. He had spoken to many of the parishioners to understand their preferences on what should be depicted. The castle was a favourite, as were the little owls, and apparently all the girls said a horse! There are a lot of horses in Mettingham now, but there were even more working during the First and Second World Wars. The obvious model for the central figure was the Supreme Champion mare, Florence, belonging to Jayne Groom, who is firmly in the centre of the magnificent carving under the arch of Mettingham Castle.

Richard also gave some insight into the technique of carving the sign, the fact that it is made of natural wood, as repeated painting over the years will eventually cause rot.

After the unveiling the Village Hall Committee provided tea and cakes in the village hall, where there was an exhibition of photographs illustrating the progress of the sign’s development.

The council and, I’m sure, the whole village feels hugely indebted to Richard Lees for the hours of meticulous drafting, carving and inspiration that have gone into this project.  It will certainly put Mettingham on the map.