Coggeshall's village sign

 
 Coggeshall's village sign stands on the green opposite the parish church of Saint Peter-ad-Vincula and  was erected to celebrate the millennium. The monk represents the Cistercian abbey that was once here in Coggeshall, whilst the other side bears the representation of a Coggeshall wool-merchant.

Unveiling the sign

Blessing the village sign

Jonathan Gash talks about his fondness of Coggeshall

The sign is made of English oak and the two sides depict the wool trade which brought prosperity to Coggeshall. The post has sweet-pea flowers and ears of corn  carved on it, a link with the village's seed producing past. It was carved by Gordon Nield,  a Braintree woodcarver from a design by Gail Mooney, a well-known artist and Coggeshall parish councillor. The sign was unveiled in March 2000 by Jonathan Gash, the author of the "Lovejoy" books, watched by children from the local school and the good folk of Coggeshall.

     

Gail Mooney and Gordon Nield,  designer and the carver

Coggeshall folk get a close-up look at their brand - new village sign

The old 'Woolpack' inn makes a picturesque backdrop for the sign

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