The Verdun Oak
Situated at the East Street entrance to Pembridge, outside the Trafford alms-houses, the Verdun Oak was a focal point in the village. Encircled by an iron bench, it became a meeting place for villagers, to enjoy a chat with neighbours and friends under its leafy boughs.
It had been grown from acorns donated by the Mayor of Verdun, in gratitude for the role played by British troops in the Battle of Verdun in WWI, and as a symbol of peace. The Allied Victory in Verdun prevented the German advance and was strategically important to the outcome of the war, achieved at considerable loss of life.
Pembridge isn’t the only place to have a Verdun Oak, others were planted at Moorcourt; Kew Gardens; Sandringham; Southwold; Coventry; Carlisle; and Crewe. The Pembridge tree was donated to the village by Colonel Benn and stood for over 100 years.
In 2016 acorns from the Verdun Oak were harvested and grown into saplings. From this came the idea to plant an avenue of oaks, along the “straight mile “ at Bearwood, in memory of each Pembridge life lost in WWI. Further trees have now been planted in honour of those killed in WWII and more recent conflicts.
In 2020 The tree was damaged in a storm. The Parish Council were advised that, for safety reasons, it must be removed. Parish tree warden, Tony Norman had the idea of preserving the history of the tree. Inspired by a poem by Siegfried Sassoon, about a country boy who became a soldier and was lost in the war, he saw the possibility of making the stricken tree into a permanent feature of the village. The idea of the sculpture was born.
After the tree was removed there was an anxious wait to see if the trunk was in good enough condition to create a sculpture as a permanent tribute to “recall the ordinary young people of this village, who had their lives, full of hope, cut short by conflict and the resilience of those who, in the aftermath of war, are left to build the peace.”
Once it was clear that the trunk could be used in this way, fundraising commenced, and a sculptor was appointed. He is Ed Elliott, based in Ledbury with his roots in the county, but internationally recognised in his field. The design chosen depicts a soldier, a country boy, and a woman, reflecting the impact of war, and its aftermath, on civilians, as well as those who carry arms.
Local craftsmen are volunteering their skills with the other tasks of creating the kerbing and plinth, and refurbishing the bench, now restored, and relocated to the village green. For Tony Norman “ the generosity of local people in donating their time, skills, and materials has been tremendous.”
The sculpture is being funded primarily by private donations and grants. The Parish Council has donated £750 and with other donations and grants this now totals £20,000. Further grant applications are pending, and donations are sought from businesses and residents to bring the total up to the required amount. Significant donations will be acknowledged on special plaques at the base of the sculpture.
In association with the Pembridge Amenity Trust, a Just Giving page has been launched and can be found at https://justgiving.com/campaign/verdunoakpembridge. Donations can also be made to Pembridge Amenity Trust sort code: 20-39-64 Acct No. 40661252, or by cheque, to Pembridge Amenity Trust, The Malt House, West Street, Pembridge, HR6 9DX. Gift aid is available.
The project is aiming to culminate in Spring 2024 with the unveiling of the sculpture by a VIP. To keep up to date with progress you can follow the project on Facebook: Verdun Oak Sculpture and on Instagram: verdunoakscupture.
Kay Ingram
October 2023
