The Upchurch Village Sign by David Wood

Village signs are often displayed in a prominent part of the locality such as in the village centre or on the green showing different aspects of the community.  Features on these signs show historical or cultural images related to the village. The sign is usually made of wood or metal mounted on a wooden post with the village name clearly displayed. King Edward VII started the tradition when he asked all the villages on the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk to erect village signs during his reign. He thought this would aid motorists and add an extra feature to the estate. After this more villages across England erected village signs as the trend became popular.

The idea of a village sign in Upchurch arose to mark the centenary of the Parish Council from 1894 to 1994. In the May 1992 edition of the Gabriel village magazine residents were asked to submit ideas to the Parish Council about how to enhance the corner of Horsham Lane and The Street. These were assessed then In December 1992 local resident and graphic designer Fred Richards from Wetham Green was commissioned to interpret the ideas for the design of a village sign. He later designed village signs for Bredhurst and Eastchurch.

Photos courtesy of Kim Taylor - Beryl Richards - AKN/KRN.

Fred first produced a set of visual ideas, one was chosen then a finished drawing made. Local builders E.C. Gransden Ltd produced a three dimensional model which Fred supervised and then hand painted after it had been cast in aluminium. E.C. Gransden Ltd also produced the post and its metal surround then erected the sign in the village centre opposite the church in Horsham Lane. Finally, a special unveiling ceremony took place in the summer of 1994. Amongst those who attended were the Mayor of Swale, Parish Council Chairman Wendy Moppett, Derek Gransden of E.C. Gransden Ltd and Fred Richards. The sign was erected on the corner of The Street and Horsham Lane so that it could be clearly seen by motorists and people passing through the village.

Parish Council clerk Pat New had earlier complimented Fred Richards on the finished sign in a letter written to him dated 29^th July, 1993:

“I have heard nothing but complimentary remarks regarding its design and execution (with only secondhand complaints about a waste of ratepayer’s money!) and the Council are very satisfied with the vastly enhanced appearance of the corner.”

The Upchurch sign includes colourful images of the church, a sailing barge and pottery surrounded by fruit and leaves, symbols of the village from the past and present. Under the pictorial design is the name ‘Upchurch’ in gold lettering on a black band with a general background of pale blue.

In addition to the sign the Parish Council also had the burial ground fenced in and part of The Paddock kerbed on the Chaffes Lane side near The Street. A centenary celebration in the form of a fete took place in The Paddock on September 10^th 1994. Documents and photographs related to the history of the Parish Council were exhibited in the former Infant’s School along with the launch of the Woodruff Diaries, based upon the writings of former Upchurch vicar John Woodruff who served the village during the early mid-19^th century.

The Upchurch village sign is now an important feature that can be clearly seen in the village centre and has only been repainted once since it was erected in 1994.

David Wood was born and raised in Upchurch and is able to write from personal experience about many people and aspects of the village and of changes that have taken place over the years making ‘Memories of Upchurch’ a very readable book and a detailed historical study of the village. David's book ‘Memories of Upchurch’ is available direct from David at: david3702001@yahoo.co.uk or from us here at Upchurch Matters. Price £12 + £3.50 postage and packing.

David Wood

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