Fittleworth

During 1998 Oakmasters and architect Eddie Gough were delighted to be involved in the replacement of a charming piece of Sussex heritage, in the picturesque village of Fittleworth. Upon expectation of the widespread Millennium celebrations, residents had raised funds to restore a timber archway, the village's most treasured feature for 170 years previously.

The original arch stood alongside the local public house displaying its name 'The Swan,' on a hand painted sign, which hung from the crossbeam. Some years before, it had been removed in line with plans to widen the road passing through this small community. An adapted replica, spanning the road, was envisaged and it was hoped that the new arch would stand in commemoration for the next five hundred years.

The resulting design was an elegant structure, although substantially taller and wider than its predecessor, in allowance for larger vehicles.

Specialised craftsmanship was required in producing a crossbeam of such considerable weight and length, which, if ignored, would deflect significantly over time. Hence it was sliced horizontally into two sections and each half hollowed out. Following this a steel flitch plate (reinforced steel beam) was placed inside. The two halves were then sandwiched back together and sealed with glue and concealed bolts. Signs of these modifications were hidden by Oakmasters' craftsmen using their high quality, textured, fumed, hand wrought finish and as a finishing touch the beam was engraved in attractive lettering.

The Oakmasters team quickly erected the arch in one morning, to avoid lengthy road closure, amid celebrations by the villagers and notable press support. A large crowd of residents, including the local primary school, attended the official opening and to mark the occasion, two representatives of Fittleworth parish cut a red ribbon strung between the tapered posts. Finally a decorated horse and carriage passed through the arch to the delight of spectators.