This weekend saw the unveiling of the latest addition to Bridgnorth Art Trail – the “Freemen Flyer” in Castle Gardens, bringing the total statues to 13 in the 2-mile walking loop that takes visitors to all the beauty spots and historical locations of Bridgnorth.
The Freemen came out in regalia to cut the ribbon on the latest locomotive statue, and thanked local artist, Amy Higgins who had produced the work to show the role of the Freemen both in current times – as well as their ancient rights of driving sheep over the bridge, and laying drunk in the road without charge!
The Volunteers from Severn Valley Railway had pitched in too with filling, bolting and installing the statue. Brian Jones engaged the engineering team who also work on the full-sized replica of the “Catch-me-Who-Can” locomotive, currently sited at the Bridgnorth station. Art Trail volunteers have been busy drilling plaques and re-painting the plinths on the existing 12 statues for a fresh look for half-term.
Cllr Julia Buckley proudly waved the newly printed maps. “We are delighted to have revamped our trail. We’ve got revised maps – available free from the Visitor Centre or most of our cafes and shops in the town centre – and online of course. We have also revamped our anagram with the extra letter – so even if you have already done the trail, now is the perfect time for a new visit and see if you can crack the code!”.
As the trail is outdoors with free maps it is the perfect, covid-safe, socially-distanced activity for visitors and families, looking for something fun to do this October half term.
Photo: By Eddie Brown, shows Cllr Julia Buckley (Chair of Bridgnorth Art Trail), Amy Higgins (artist), Robert Davies and Tony Head (Gild of Bridgnorth Freemen) and Brian Jones (Trevithick 200 society and SVR volunteer lead) at the unveiling of the new statue.
