So you or your local group want a village sign?

John Beadle has a datapack for people interested in setting up a village sign. He can be contacted by email vss@talktalk.net.

If you are request a datapack, it is essential that you supply your full postal address. A lot of effort and time has gone into the compilation of the datapack, so we cannot entertain any requests by email that appear to be spurious by withholding such contact details. The datapack contains invaluable advice, and it would be greatly appreciated if the Village Sign Society via Mr Beadle was kept informed of any progress made. Note that the datapack is a PDF document that requires Adobe, which can be downloaded free of charge from http://get.adobe.com/uk/reader.

Please note that the Village Sign Society is unable to provide quotations for a village sign and all such enquiries should be directed to our member sign makers whose details are available on the links page.

Below are examples of the various types of village signs made.

WOOD - This has been the traditional material used for early signs. However, unless the wood is chosen carefully its long term “life” can be limited. Even when painted, or varnished, the sign tends to weather badly and regular maintenance is essential.

FIBREGLASS - This material has been used as a substitute for wood and can give a relatively maintenance-free product. It can also be used in sheet form, to provide a picture effect, but in this case a suitable frame in wood or metal needs to be incorporated to achieve rigidity. Requires a specialist manufacturer.

FORGED STEEL - Usually used to provide a silhouette effect.Finished sign can be plain black or painted. The use of gold leaf can give a dramatic effect and will be hard wearing. Any paints used must be chosen carefully to provide good weathering properties. Has the advantage that it can be made by local blacksmith providing the design is not too complicated.

CAST ALUMINIUM - Usually used in conjunction with forged steel as a supporting frame.Can give a “picture effect” so that the design can be more inclusive than with simple forged steel sign. Has the advantage of being light in weight and, providing the finishing paints are chosen carefully, can give a long lasting sign requiring little maintenance.

CAST METALS - Cast iron and bronze can be used to good effect for relatively small signs. More suitable for the production of several signs of the same design. Finished product can be very hard wearing and maintenance free providing any finishing paint is chosen carefully. Requires specialist manufacture.

CERAMIC - Can take the form of a single sheet or a composite of mosaic tiles in a wood or metal frame. Mosaics can look attractive and unusual but life of the finished sign will be dependent on the base material used, and adhesive used to fix tiles.

STONE - Stone can give a unique and unusual product and a specialist craftsman is necessary. Stone village signs are very vulnerable to vandalism and graffiti which can cause irreparable damage.