New Village Sign Unveiled

Great Braxted Parish Council is pleased to announce the installation of a beautiful new village sign at the junction of Bung Row and Tiptree Road.

The previous sign had become increasingly weathered over time and, although it had been lovingly repainted on several occasions by local resident James Hewitt, it had reached the point where replacement was the most practical option. The Parish Council would like to express its sincere thanks to James, whose artistic skill has helped preserve this much-loved village feature for many years.

The new sign has been created by Rob Wisdom, a local artist from Tiptree, who has carefully modernised the design while preserving the character and spirit of the original artwork.

A Brief History

The idea for a village sign was first developed in 1991/92, when Mr and Mrs Nicholls of Meadow Cottage, Bung Row, organised fundraising alongside the Parish Council. The completed sign was unveiled in 1992 by Michael Clark of Braxted Park and has stood proudly in the centre of the village ever since.

One of the sign's distinctive features is that each side tells a different story about Great Braxted.

From Bung Row, you will find:

• The village pump, once located in Bung Row and now restored.
• An oak tree representing those on the cricket field.
• An ear of wheat reflecting the village's agricultural heritage.
• Swallows, a familiar sight perched on overhead wires each summer.
• A pheasant, celebrating the Braxted Estate, renowned for its shooting.

From Tiptree Road, the sign depicts:

• Swallows and an oak tree with leaves.
• A rabbit, recalling the days when the cricket field and playground were overrun with rabbits.
• An apple, representing the orchards that once flourished at Porters Farm in Braxted Lane and Broadfield Farm on Braxted Park Road.
• Cricket stumps, recognising Great Braxted's proud cricketing tradition, including hosting benefit matches for Essex.

The Parish Council hopes residents and visitors alike will enjoy the new sign for many years to come. If you're passing through the village, please take a moment to stop and have a closer look at the craftsmanship and the many details celebrating Great Braxted's history.

Photographs of both sides of the new sign can be viewed below