In 2002 the Group's home town of Eccleshall competed in the regional final of Britain in Bloom. It was very successful, winning the small town category and receiving a silver-gilt award. As a memento of the competition Eccleshall received an enscribed Crown Derby plate. Naturally we were all delighted at the success, but were concerned that the unique plate was only protected by a standard cardboard box.
Discussing the plans over a pint in "The Badger" - Quentin Smith, John Archer, Bill Faulkner (foreground) and Tom Oldbury
A plan was hatched to make something which not only protected the plate better, but also displayed it to best effect. Initial ideas were gathered and local craftsman Tom Oldbury was approached to see if he would help in the project (Tom is well-known locally for his superb cabinet-work). The most suitable ideas were then drawn up and miniature models made. These were submitted to the Bloom Committee for its members to choose their preferred design.
The choice was a display case suitable for wall-mounting, with two marquetry side panels and a recessed area (later abandoned) for the plate (the centre model in the photograph).
Early sketch-plans and the three models submitted to the Bloom Committee
The Eccleshall Crest - the work of six members.
The marquetry was prepared as small "kits" and distributed to members, who cut their section and returned it to the committee for final assembly into the oak background. The chosen designs were the Eccleshall Crest, the Millennium clock which stands outside Eccleshall library and a flower basket taken from the logo used by Eccleshall in Bloom. The plaques acknowledging the work were also cut in marquetry - using fine line technique into a horse-chestnut background.
The fine-lined labels
The Millennium Clock and Flower Basket
Nearing completion - the marquetry back, plate and cabinet, now glazed with safety glass. Just the plate mounts to go.
Tom Oldbury in his workshop