HEAVY rain failed to dampen spirits as a West Somerset community’s memorial to the late Queen Elizabeth was unveiled.

Residents of Bicknoller clubbed together to raise funds to commission a Queen Elizabeth II Memorial Gate for the village churchyard.

Bicknoller resident Michelle Sears, who cut the gate’s opening ribbon.
Bicknoller resident Michelle Sears, who cut the gate’s opening ribbon. (George Ody)

It replaced a rickety old wooden gate at the entrance to the grade one listed St George’s Church garden of remembrance.

The project was suggested by villager Alastair Greswell and all 228 residents were asked to contribute £20 each to cover the cost.

The gate was designed and made by Exmoor’s award-winning West Country Blacksmiths, run by brothers Kyle and Kieren Roberts, in Allerford.

Bicknoller Kyle Roberts, from West Country Blacksmiths, Allerford, who designed and fitted the gate
Kyle Roberts, from West Country Blacksmiths, Allerford, who designed and fitted the gate. (George Ody)

A ribbon cutting ceremony was performed by local resident Michelle Sears, whose name was drawn from a bag containing the names of all 228 contributors.

The gate was blessed by former Suffolk Bishop the Rt Rev Nigel Stock, who moved to West Somerset after retiring in 2017.