After intensive restoration work brought about by a partnership between local residents, a local blacksmith and Borough Councillors, the well known signpost on Wray Common has been reinstalled, in a ceremony overseen by the Mayor.
The sign had been severely damaged, with one arm missing and another having been knocked off, probably by a passing lorry (see previous article). Local residents took up the challenge of getting it restored, together with the help of Will Powell, a local blacksmith, the Holmesdale Museum and the Surrey Mirror.
As a result of this collaboration, old photos of the sign were used to design a replacement for the missing arm. The majority of the funding for the new arm came via Cllrs Julian Ellacott and Natalie Bramhall, from the Councillors’ Community Awards fund, with local residents making up the rest.
Mr Powell undertook the repairs, fitted the new arm and relocated the sign post a few yards away from its original position, to prevent future damage to the sign, which is believed to date from the late 19th century.
Cllr Julian Ellacott, who attended a ribbon cutting ceremony this week by the Mayor, along with local residents, said:
“This sign post is a great piece of local history, cherished by residents and the thousands of people who pass by each day. Thanks to the efforts of all involved, especially the local residents, the sign once again stands proudly at this junction.”
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