Landmark year as town marks 1066 milestone

And what better way to mark a landmark year then by creating a brand new landmark?

2016 sees the 950th anniversary of the Battle of Hastings and Battle Town Council is planning to mark this milestone with an art installation on the roundabout adjacent to the library and fire station.

And the council is looking for designs from Battle residents.

Deputy mayor David Furness said: “Battle Town Council is looking for inspirational ideas for a work of art to be placed on the roundabout at the junction of the A2100 and A271.

“This roundabout is on one of the major entrances to Battle and we are looking for ideas that would make this roundabout the ‘pride and talk of the town’ and a major artistic attraction for visitors.

“It is hoped that the roundabout will eventually form part of an art trail that will encourage residents and visitors to explore all the hidden treasures of our wonderful town”.

Battle Town Council is organising a competition to find a winning design that will ultimately be installed on the roundabout during the fast-approaching 950th anniversary year.

The judging panel, made up of councillors and historical experts, welcomes designs from schools, community groups and artistically-minded local residents.

The winning amateur designer will be awarded £250 and enjoy the cachet of having their artwork on permanent display for all to see – hopefully for the next 950 years.

Though all ideas are welcome, there will be a few ground rules to ensure the winning entry isn’t too avant-garde and polarising, in terms of public consensus.

The design must have a theme relating to The Battle of Hastings .

The structure must be big enough to be viewed from a distance and must conform to various road safety rules and regulations – details of which will be available in entry packs, available from the Battle Town Council office in the Almonry, in Battle High Street.

The statue must be made from iron, both for longevity and to reflect the important role ironworking has played in the history of 1066 Country.

Battle Town Council recommends that anyone seeking inspiration for their design visits Battle’s award winning Museum of Local History, in the High Street to ensure their idea has a historical context.

Entry packs and specification details are available from the town council offices. Entries must be submitted to the town clerk by July 1.

All entries will be displayed in Battle Library from mid-July and the public will then be asked to vote for their favourite five designs. The top five will then be evaluated by the small judging panel, with the winner being announced by the end of August.

It is hoped the statue will be in place by the anniversary on October 14, 2016.

More details from the town clerk on 01424 772210 or [email protected]