Mystery of the Fishbourne fingerpost – have you seen missing roundel?

Two historic fingerpost signs in Fishbourne have been restored – but one of them is missing a crucial part.
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The two signs, which point the way to Chichester and Midhurst among other places, are located at the crossroads of Salthill Road and Clay Lane, and the top of Blackboy Lane.

They were in a poor condition, with one even leaning over after it had been crashed into.

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Two Fishbourne parish councillors, Lynda Hunter and Gary Mason, have refurbished the signs after turning their garage into a version of The Repair Shop to carry out the work.

Gary Mason and Lynda Hunter with the refurbished Clay Lane fingerpostGary Mason and Lynda Hunter with the refurbished Clay Lane fingerpost
Gary Mason and Lynda Hunter with the refurbished Clay Lane fingerpost

Each individual letter and number needed to be repainted along with the metal structures.

Lynda said: “The finger post at the crossroads has a rather special roundel on top, because it has the West Sussex crest on it.

“Most of these signs, which are seen all across the county, just have a loop with the village name.”

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However, the post at Blackboy Lane is missing its roundel – the circular disc at the top of the fingerpost.

The Blackboy Lane sign after refurbishment - missing its roundelThe Blackboy Lane sign after refurbishment - missing its roundel
The Blackboy Lane sign after refurbishment - missing its roundel

Gary said: “It’s long since gone, and having a new one made would be very expensive – so we’re wondering if anyone has any idea where it might be.

“Has it been stolen? Was it melted down? Or has someone got it sitting on their mantelpiece?”

Anyone with information about the Blackboy Lane roundel can contact Fishbourne Parish Council on 01243 788563.

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The Clay Lane sign before refurbishmentThe Clay Lane sign before refurbishment
The Clay Lane sign before refurbishment

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