The history of Biggleswade, Sandy and Potton is being immortalised like never before with the first three mosaics in a major new heritage trail having been unveiled.
The history of Biggleswade, Sandy and Potton is being immortalised like never before with the first three mosaics in a major new heritage trail having been unveiled.
The mosaic panels – which have been lovingly designed by world renowned mosaic artist Oliver Budd and created by volunteers, community groups and school children across the towns – each tell colourful stories about their past.
Last week a panel depicting a Saxon coin made between 805 to 810 and discovered in Biggleswade Common, market rights granted by King John in the 13th century and early farmers in the town, was unveiled by town councillor Ian Bond in his role of chairman of Biggleswade History Society on the wall of the Yours Clothing store in Market Square.
In Potton market square, Central Beds councillor Nigel Young unveiled a panel depicting scenes including the Great Fire of Potton in 1783 with the help of pupils from the Potton Federation schools.
In Sandy, a mosaic fittingly depicting the Roman origins of the town was unveiled on the side wall of the town’s Post Office in Market Square by town mayor, Councillor Colin Osborne.
Caroline Blake – who is co-ordinating the project, which involves a series of community workshops across the three towns – said: “It was a fantastic day and the huge sense of achievement was wonderful to see.
“It was great to see the reactions of the people who have been involved in making these mosaics once they were on display, in some cases they were quite emotional when they saw the finished pieces.”
In all some 15 mosaics will eventually form a unique heritage trail for people to follow.
One of the mosaics will be installed in the yard at the soon-to-be reopened The Crown Hotel in Biggleswade on the very spot where the Great Fire of Biggleswade broke out in 1785.
The project is being backed by Central Bedfordshire Council as part of a £4 million market town regeneration scheme, and is managed by Sandy Town Council and backed by Aragon Housing.
To join the upcoming workshops, call the following numbers: Biggleswade 0300 300 8055, Sandy 01767 691491 and Potton 01767 260086, or for further information see www.storyinstone.org.uk, or search for ‘Story in Stone’ on Facebook.
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