Phase 2 of the Hopton Heath Battlefield Memorial Project takes shape.
Dave Cooper (project co-ordinator) with the life-size initial proof supplied by Shelley Signs, taking observations and ideas from the membership at the latest meeting of the West Midlands Branch (Stafford) of the Military Historical Society, Saturday 6 June 2009
Proposed Staffordshire County Council Dirctional Signage To Aid Potential Visitors To Locate The Battlefield Site As Of 25th June 2009. With the generous grant received the signs have been ordered and will be installed. Councillor Len Bloomer, and publicity officer of Staffordshire County Council with members of the MHS (West Midlands Branch) and The Sealed Knot Society will be at the location for the Hopton Heath Battlefield on Friday 16th October at about 2pm.
Although subject to minor alterations and confirmation, Staffordshire County Council's Highways Department have provided preliminary details of their proposed amenity location signage on 25th June 2009 as opposite.
Nearing Its Final Version - The Hopton Heath Battlefield Interpretation Panel Proof, As At 1st July 2009.
The Interpretation Panel
This is Panel erected as viewed from the public footpath which runs by RAF Stafford. The sign was erected on the 5th march 2010 ready for the official unveiling on the 19th March 2010.
The Unveiling Ceremony Friday 19th March 2010
Chric Coogan our Chairman lit the cannon to signify the start of the proceedings of the afternoons events at 2pm, apparently it is a tradition of the cannoniers to allow a non member to light the first cannon of the year, it certainly made a loud noise and even set off a car alarm or two on the car park adajcent to the site of the memorial where the invited guests had parked.
Dave Cooper making adjustment to the flag ready for the unveiling while Chris Coogan welcomes the guests to the ceremony
The Mayor of Stafford tells of the significance of the battlefield site
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Hugh Gell a direct decendant of Colonel Sir John Gell who fought in the battle making his way to the microphone to give details of his ancestral links with the battle before unveiling the panel. Janet Elson with the wreath that she would lay on behalf of the MHS Branch
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The Interpretation Panel is unveiled, the side that faces inside RAF Stafford is blank but for the benifit of those attending a full size replica paper version was dispalyed, as the best view is from the public footpath.
Members of The English Civil War Society firing a volley out over the battlefield, following the Bishops of Staffords service and blessing of the Interpretation panel and in remembrance of those 500 souls that died during the battle.
Guests looking at the now unveiled panel before retiring to the Officers mess for refreshments
Member of the MHS having refreshments after the ceremony in the Officers mess at RAF Stafford. The branch would like to thank all those who have supported the endeavours so far especially the commanding officer of RAF Stafford and the English Civil War Society and The Sealed Knot members