The Special FlyerFeature
The Saffron Walden Blue Plaques Saffron Walden ’ s Summer of Arts and Culture 2017
In a series of ceremonies held on 16th July 2016 , six Blue Plaques were unveiled in Saffron Walden to celebrate the lives of some of the town ’ s most notable residents who had all achieved distinction in their chosen careers . The formal launch of the scheme was the result of 18 months work which was coordinated by the Saffron Walden Initiative and involved a number of local organisations such as the Blue Badge guides , the Saffron Walden Museum , the Saffron Walden Historical Society , the Saffron Walden Town Library Society and the Tourist Information Centre in the selection of suitable candidates and locations .
The local scheme was based on national qualification and design criteria established by English Heritage and sought to achieve a timeless simplicity and elegance of appearance through the input of local designer David Riches of Visible Edge . Grant funding was obtained from Saffron Walden Town Council whose staff also assisted with the final installation .
Some of the plaque subjects are well known , such as the philanthropist , banker and botanist George Stacey Gibson ( 1813-83 ); inventor and builder of the first Eddystone Lighthouse , Henry Winstanley ( 1644-1703 ); and designer , printmaker and artist , Edward Bawden R . A . ( 1914-1989 ).
The poet and scholar Gabriel Harvey ( 1545-1630 ) is largely forgotten now despite his reputation during the reign of Elizabeth I and , prior to the plaque scheme , few people knew that composer and arranger Gordon Jacob ( 1903-2009 ), whose music was part of the 1953 Coronation , and Jack Cardiff ( 1914-2009 ), Oscar-winning cinematographer and director both lived in the town .
Locations of all the existing plaques are shown on the keyed map below . The scheme has proved to be a significant focus of interest for local residents and visitors alike and , supported by an attractive leaflet and that is available from the Tourist Information Centre , complements guides based on the Town Trail , Saffron Walden ’ s Mazes and Bridge End Gardens .
Work is already in hand to obtain funding support for a second phase of blue plaques in the town which will include some notable female as well as male former residents . Among possible candidates are Sir Thomas Smith , William Winstanley , Dame Johane Bradbury ,
Edwin smith and Olive Cook , as well as a plaque commemorating the Parliamentary army debates in St Mary ’ s Church in 1647 . All suggestions to john . ready569 @ btinternet . com
Goodness , what a year 2017 is shaping up to be . It really is difficult to know where to start , so let ’ s go for date order , with some of the major events to look forward to this year .
Sunday April 30th sees the first Artisan and Vintage Fayre to be held in the Market Square . Organised by Saffron Walden Town Council , in partnership with Essex Farmers Markets and Saffron Walden Town Team , the market is sure to be a treasure trove of things to browse and buy , as well as having numerous food and drink stalls . If the April Fayre is a success , it is planned to return on Sunday 30th July and on Sunday 29th October . Check with the Tourist Information Centre on this , nearer the time .
Sunday 28th May will see the return of Cinema in the Square ; a partnership project between the Town Team , Saffron Walden Town Council and the fabulous Saffron Screen . Details are still being finalised for this event , but we hope to be able to show ‘ Shaun the Sheep ’ at 2pm and ‘ ET ’ at 5pm , with a performance by the wonderful Pure Rhythm School of Performing Arts at 4pm . Local food and drink suppliers will be there too .
The Town Council is holding a French Market on the Common over the weekend of Friday 2nd to Sunday 4th June , with local buskers also performing in the Market Square on the Saturday .
The main event of 2017 is , of course , Saffron Walden Carnival , organised by the Saffron Walden Round Table and running from 7 – 15th July . With one of the UK ’ s biggest carnival processions taking place on the afternoon of
Saturday 8th July , this promises to be one of the best Carnivals ever . Keep an eye on www . 8dayweekend . co . uk for details of acts taking part .
The Town Team ’ s Rock and Blues in the Square takes place on Sunday 23rd July and will feature an array of talent to be announced soon .
The much-loved Dance in the Square , organised by the Saffron Walden Initiative ( SWI ), takes place on Saturday 26th August , with the usual mix of music and dancing . A real community event , this really is an event not to be missed . This 2017 event marks the 25th Anniversary of Dance in the Square which is planned to be even bigger and better than anything that has gone before .
Finally , dare I mention Christmas ? The Saffron Walden Winter Wonderland returns over the weekend of Friday 1st to Sunday 3rd December , with the annual Late Night Christmas Shopping taking place on the Friday . This is a fine example of local groups working together , including the Town Council , SWI , Town Team and the Round Table .
We hope that locals and visitors alike will support these events and will take time to browse our wonderful range of independent shops too .
All the above events are subject to confirmation and change , so please check on developments by calling Saffron Walden Tourist Information Centre on 01799 524002 or see our website www . visitsaffronwalden . gov . uk
We look forward to welcoming you to our beautiful town !
Mark Starte Duty Manager
Saffron Walden Tourist Information Centre .
18 THE FLYER | APRIL 2017
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