The project to install new signs began in January 2022 when the Parish Council approached local resident Chris Thomas who volunteered a possible concept for the gateway design which included seven elements to represent the village.
The suggested focus was emphasis on the people and community of Milton and its visitors. The aim was for a modern clean look – loosely based on Art Deco style. The proposal was then interpreted by Vanessa Morris, the artist at Morris Cast signs, keeping very close to the original designs.
The three main elements which immediately catch the eye are:
- Female Milton footballer (representing village sport, diversity, equality). Milton has a number of successful football teams.
- Male Milton cyclist with children (representing family, transport, environment).
- All Saints Milton. The oldest building in the village – in continuous use by the community since the beginning of the 12th Century.
The four minor elements that are revealed when taking a closer look are:
- Bowls players on the green (representing the many village sports and other activities for residents of all ages)
- Lake, trees, and path (Country Park, recreation, community facilities).
- Baits Bite Lock & River (recreation and transport).
- Jane Coston Bridge (modern construction, linking communities – Milton to Cambridge).
We appreciate this is an idealised representation of Milton, a mainly residential village, but one that aims to reflect us and our community at this moment in the 21st century.
All those involved in creating these signs have contributed their time and effort freely without expecting or receiving any payment. They were manufactured by Morris Cast Signs with all costs being paid for as a developer funded arts project. No monies from local rates and taxes of residents were used for this project.