Verdun Oak Sculpture Film

The Verdun Oak Project has made a film which tells the story of the Verdun Oak, how a

WWI poem by Siegfried Sassoon inspired tree warden,Tony Norman, to resurrect the fallen

tree.

The film charts the project from Tony’s initial inspiration, the selection of sculptor Ed Elliott

and his representation of a country boy torn from his family to fight on foreign soil and the

family he left behind, as did so many Pembridge men.

It highlights the contribution made by local craftsmen, stone masons, blacksmiths and

carpenters whose skills brought the project alive.

The Lord Lieutenant, Mr Edward Harley CBE and High Sheriff Patricia Churchward attended

the unveiling ceremony and congratulated the team who brought the project to fruition.

The film has been made in memory of the late Councillor Andrew Pace, who was a leading

member of the project team. You can view it here https://vimeo.com/999042698/8dd28f797e

“ I knew a simple soldier boy

Who grinned at life in empty joy,

Slept soundly through the lonesome dark,

And whistled early with the lark.”

Siegfried Sassoon

Kay Ingram