Thameside Heritage Marker
The new Thameside Heritage Marker was officially opened on 28th May 2004 by Elmbridge Mayor and MRA councillor Mick Burgess. The Marker is located near the Hampton-Molesey ferry, adjacent to the Thames Path and the National Cycle Network. It is a short stroll from Sadler’s Ride Car Park. A canon was fired by Shrapnel’s 18th Century Royal Artillery Battery to mark the occasion.
This £50,000 project commemorates our truly remarkable historic and cultural riverside heritage. It was conceived, researched, designed and brought to fruition entirely by the following residents of Hurst Park – architect for the scheme was Molesey Cllr Ian Donaldson, drawing upon the ideas of John Loney (the historical plaques) and Charles Higgins ( the analemmatic sundial); Paul Gossage undertook the historical research, largely derived from the extensive works of late local historian Rowland Baker; the superb pictorial illustrations that appear on the Marker were created by Ken Cooper; and the project was chaired by Molesey Cllr Peter Parker,CBE, who also co-ordinated the fundraising. The seats and plaques and interactive “fun” sundial were constructed by sculptor Stephen Broadbent of Liverpool and the base by Entech Services Limited, Ingatestone, Essex.
The Association is very grateful for the generous support of the many sponsors. More than £10,000 has been contributed by individuals who bought the 97 individual name plates (minimum £100). Some £20,000 was secured from Surrey County Council’s local community projects scheme through the good offices of Molesey’s County Councillor David Morris. Major contributions also came from SITA Environmental Services, JJ Gallagher and Barton Finch (the Hurst Park Precinct developers), R C Sherriff Rosebriars Trust, Elmbridge Borough Council, Elmbridge Leisure & Cultural Services Division and Mercedes Benz, All Home Rentals, Molesey Residents’ Association, two private families and Octagon Developments. The major sponsors (£1,000 minimum) have their own special plaque on a seat – one seat still remains to be sponsored.
Published on Friday, June 4th, 2004
in
General Interest