I have been travelling along this road for far more years than I dare to think about. Often on a familiar route we start to ignore many of the familiar sights. I am sure I am no exception, and much on this road I am sure I have long since stopped seeing. The one thing that I know I almost always notice is this wonderful old signpost. It marks a point where I do often make a turn. But it is also on a straight part of the road, in trees, where I do also frequently drive past. I know I do notice it though.
Of late it has started to look rather neglected, and as you may see from the picture it has started to fall apart. I know it is not the original sign post as I remember it being replaced at least twice over the many years I have been passing.
So what is unusual and why do I notice it? I know much of this is not clear from the picture but:
- It is much taller than usual road signs.
- It is made from wood.
- Each sign tip is in the shape of a hand with one finger pointing forward.
- It has roman numerals to specify the distance.
- The directions are written e.g. ‘The way to Oxford’
It is at the junction of a very old crossroad and the reason the post is so high is so people on horseback or a stagecoach are at eye level with the sign. Not that many stagecoaches pass these days but all the more delightful that some of our old heritage has not been forcibly removed. Too much of our landscape is becoming compliantly bland.
I remember as a child thinking about the highwayman on his large fast black horse, with his cape flowing behind, glancing at the sign as he sped on the way to Oxford. The hooves of the horse hitting the stones and clopping in the mud. The stagecoach stopping at the junction to collect a passenger.
That is why I love this sign – it stands out. It bucks conformity. It is a sign of our history. It stirs emotion.
So why has this sign become the focus of my attention? Well it made me think of a few questions that I wanted to capture for future use:
- How can I stand out?
- Are my directions visible above the crowd?
- Are my directions visible to the crowd?
- Am I pointing in the right direction?
- What directions could I provide for others that I have kept too quiet about?
- When one finger is pointing forward the other three are pointing back at me – so when I am helping others what is the message for me?
- Rather than turn left should I turn right next time?
- Am I heading in the right direction, to the right destination, for the right reason?
- Is this the shortest route to my destination?
- Who else should I ask to join me?
I am sure some more questions will come along soon.
I am also sure you have some questions that work better for you – so are you going to action them, or wait for the next stagecoach?
My best wishes,
Peter
