Sunday 13 September 2009

EDP mistake... oak?

Apparently we are erecting an oak obelisk! Burrell memorial obelisk plan approved 09 September 2009 A three sided oak obelisk dedicated to Thetford steam engine builder Charles Burrell will provide the centre piece for a new community garden in the town. Planning permission for the sculpture, which has already been commissioned and will be paid for using lottery money, was granted by Breckland Council's Development Control Committee. When finished the 1.8m memorial will sit in the new Charles Burrell Garden on land next to 54 Staniforth Road. The derelict site, which is near to the Charles Burrell High School, is currently being transformed into a community garden by the Keystone Development Trust. When finished it is hoped it will provide a tranquil place for townsfolk to go and be a haven for wildlife. Along with the famous author Thomas Paine, and Britain's first black mayor, Dr Allan Glaisyer Minns, Charles Burrell is one of Thetford's most prominent historical figures. From 1740 to 1930 Burrell and Sons produced custom made steam engines and at one point the company was Thetford's largest employer with an international reputation for manufacturing traction engines and road locomotives. Charles Burrell was also a Thetford town councillor for 55 consecutive years and held the office of town mayor on seven separate occasions.

No comments: