Fingerpost Champions
A campaign created by Dorset AONB to encourage residents, communities and businesses to restore the county’s iconic fingerpost signs back to their original state
Be inspired: Loders Fingerpost Champions
A circular roundel which once sat proudly on top of an original Victorian cast iron fingerpost in Dorset has been reunited with its sign. The sign is being refurbished as part of the ‘Dorset Fingerpost Project’ a campaign created by Dorset AONB to encourage residents, communities and businesses to restore the county’s iconic fingerpost signs back to their original state.
Local resident Mr Geoff Rumsey rescued the roundel from the Dorset County Council depot in Bridport 15 years ago. Mr Rumsey, (pictured with Cllr Bryan Hyde and volunteer Dick Nadin) recently donated it to Loders Parish Council. Hilary Nadin, a Loders Parish Council volunteer, explains:
“Originally all our village fingerposts had roundels and now there are only two surviving on the outskirts of the Parish.” She said they are keen to get all the fingerposts back to their original condition, “as they form such an important part of our landscape.”
Loders Parish Council are calling upon the support and skills from local residents, like Martin Stones from Minster Joinery whose generous contribution of five hardwood fingers enabled them to make a start on this village project.
Be inspired: Hilton Fingerpost Champions
You can watch how the Fingerpost Champions of Hilton have refurbished one of their many fingerposts on this YouTube film made by Ian Bryan. The Hilton group have restored all the posts in their parish with help from Dorset AONB and our volunteers John, Roger, James and Val, whose commitment and enthusiasm has been invaluable.
CPRE small grant scheme
The CPRE offer a small grants scheme for people wanting to restore fingerposts using the correct materials as set out in the Dorset AONB.