Our Reclaimed Wooden Signs Bring Character to Greysouthen Village Show
In the heart of Cumbria, where the landscape is as rich in history as it is in beauty, the small village of Greysouthen continues to uphold its cherished traditions. Among these is the growing much-anticipated annual Village Show, a celebration of community spirit, not just from with Greysouthen but surrounding hamlets and communities too, with the proceeds going to support the upkeep of the village hall.
In 2023, thanks to bespoke wooden signage created from reclaimed materials on our CNC machine, we’ve helped direct attendees to its location.
The Journey Begins: Summer 2023
The story started modestly in the summer of 2023. Having a large surplus of wood left over from various projects, we decided to create a feature, while the ambitions of the original plan weren’t possible for insurance reasons, we came up with an idea for a simple but eye-catching sign to adorn the wall near the playing field, where the event takes place.
Using reclaimed wood and our CNC machine, we created a colorful, rustic sign proudly bearing the name of the show.
A Big Idea for 2024
Buoyed by the success of the initial sign and taking inspiration from one of the largest shows in the UK, the committee asked us in the summer of 2024 with a bold new idea: some larger-than-life wooden letters to stand prominently at the entrance. This time, we aimed to make an unforgettable statement.
Using the same sustainable ethos—working with reclaimed wood—we created three grand letters: G, V, and S, standing at 1.2 meters (around 4 feet) tall. Each letter having it’s own rustic character due to the nature of the reclaimed timber used.
When set up at the field entrance, they transformed the gateway area into a striking visual welcome for attendees.
A Beautiful Day in a Dreary Summer
The summer of 2024 may have been marked by gloomy weather, but the day of the Greysouthen Village Show turned out to be a rare gem—sunny and warm. The towering letters, standing tall against a backdrop of blue skies and green fields, added a sense of grandeur and whimsy to the occasion and visitors were quick to admire the installation..
The Power of Reclaimed Wood
One of the most rewarding aspects of this project was seeing how reclaimed wood could take on a new life and purpose. By using materials with character normally destined for land fill or bonfires, the signs not only aligned perfectly with the occasion.
Looking Ahead
As the Greysouthen Village Show continues to grow and evolve, they themselves can be re-used as is, or enhanced in other ways.
We’re excited to see how these handcrafted signs will inspire future projects. Whether it’s enhancing the show’s branding or sparking new ideas, these creations represent more than just decorative elements—they embody the spirit of collaboration and celebration that defines the event.
Here’s to many more years of creativity and community, and to the timeless charm of reclaimed wood.
We’ve already been commissioned to create similar signs for a wedding in 2025.
If you want to explore creating custom signs for your next event? Get in touch.