Towards the end of 2023, having seen panels in Stokesley and other locations, it was suggested that the History Group could develop historical interpretation boards in our 3 villages. The committee was in support in principle and research began. In February 2024 a member of the Stokesley Society was approached for information on how they developed their project. This was then shared with the History Group committee and it was agreed to go ahead with the planning and seek funding.
A request was made to Sue Thompson at Catch Design Development (a Stokesley based company) for a quotation. We received a baseline quote and followed this up with our first meeting with Sue Thompson in May 2024.
A sub group was formed with the remit to decide on topics, find photos, drawings and create an outline for the boards. Further sub division took place with representatives for each of the 3 villages, a fundraiser and overall coordinator. Regular meetings were held and the project developed. Text was reviewed and illustrations selected. Sizes for the boards were discussed and background colours looked at. The final size was agreed 1200 x 600 mm.
Alongside the creative process, seeking funding was crucial for the project to succeed.
Ingleby Greenhow was able to apply for a grant through the North Yorkshire National Park’s “Farming in Protected Landscapes Project”(FIPL) as long as it met the criteria and could be completed by March 2025. This gave those working on this board a focus and ideas developed around the theme. Planning permission was needed and 2 donations were received to cover this. Planning approval was given and work on the board’s design was completed. This successfully met the criteria to receive 100% of the cost of the board from FIPL project. Cost of the Board was £2285.40 (plus planning permission costs).
In October 2024 the Boards Project was launched at the Local History Day in Great Broughton Village Hall. Members and visitors were encouraged to give donations and funds were raised on refreshments on that day and at subsequent meetings giving a total of £985. The Local Councillor on our behalf secured a grant from North Yorkshire Council for Great Broughton and Kirkby which was £1900 to share. This was very encouraging and the Jack Brunton Trust gave a donation of £600. The Bay Horse and the Jet Miners gave £200 each for Great Broughton. The shortfall for both Great Broughton and Kirkby was paid by their respective parish councils. Once the funding was secured Catch Designs was asked to go ahead and order the steel and in March the project was completed. The cost of each board for Kirkby and Great Broughton was £2214.
March 31st 2025 the Board was installed in Ingleby Greenhow.
April 9th 2025 the Boards were installed in Great Broughton and Kirkby.
The boards have had very positive feedback from villagers and visitors.
Credits
On each of the boards are references to those who supported the project and the QR code of Kirkby, Great Broughton and Ingleby Greenow Local History Group.
Advice was received from John Edwards (Stokesley Society).
Special thanks to our project leader, Janice Ronsano, our design team, and our fundraiser, without whom the project would not have been completed.
Finally thanks to Sue Thompson and Catch Design Management.
June 2025.
