There's a good chance you'll read this blog post and wonder why I'm so enthusiastic about a few old signs. Others will probably already have their own collection of similar images. I love the hand made signs you see around the Yorkshire Dales. Some have clearly been there for a long time, some carefully made and others obviously stuck up in a hurry, words oozing frustration. Many say so much in just a couple of words. Others make me smile, and wonder at the story behind them.
Why do I like signs so much? I think it's because they're often so expressive. They don't use long flowery phrases or fancy designs: they tell it how it is. The character of the Dales shines through. They say so much more than they say.
Why do I like signs so much? I think it's because they're often so expressive. They don't use long flowery phrases or fancy designs: they tell it how it is. The character of the Dales shines through. They say so much more than they say.
 Some of my favourite signs are those put up by farmers. To the point, hastily erected out of necessity, using whatever materials were to hand at the time.  Another one that makes me smile. This is from a field by Bainbridge, a little out of the way. Always make me think the cows in this field just want to be quiet and be left to graze in private.  Either these children & livestock are so precious they were worth having a proper sign made & getting out a ladder to put the sign up hight in a tree, or they are truly terrifying & the public have to be warned against them!  Everything you need to know in 3 words!  If dogs are made this welcome, imagine how good this pub must be for humans!  Some signs are there to sell you something.There's not enough space for soft-soaping and long words but Dales folk aren't known for beating around the bush.  Another reason I like signs you can tell so much about a place's attitude and values from their signs.  The ultimate in warning signs, spotted a while ago at White Rose Candles in Wensleydale. Woe betides anyone who irritates by making the feeble jokes as everyone else - you'll be melted down for tallow... |  I know it's very childish of my but when I drive past this one, I always think to myself "but ewes & lambs can't read, & they don't really go very fast anyway"...  You're a farmer & you're really fed up - people drive too quickly on country roads, & too many lambs get killed. So you looked around, saw the pile of tyres, quickly daubed paint on it & hung it on a fence. Job done. Practical, quick & to the point - so long as drivers take note?  Anyone spending any time in the Yorkshire Dales will be very familiar with this one. There are National Park signs all around the roads leading into the Park. Some have been updated but they all use the Swaledale Ram to give that comforting feeling - you're in a place of great beauty.  This pub clearly wants to welcome walkers - so much so, they've sacrificed a boot to make their point.  This is also for a pub. Anything else you need to know?  The approach to life: sometimes sh*t happens. Just deal with it practically and with a touch of humour...  The ultimate in signs. You're determined to show everyone that you're determined so you put up your motto in stone. Desormais means "from now on" (it's also the title of a Charles Aznavour song but Skipton Castle pre-dates even him). "From now on" sounds determined but also vaguely menacing? |
"A request from the Holiday Fellowship. Friend when you stray, or sit and take your ease on moor or feel or under spreading trees, pray leave no traces of your wayside meal. No paper bag, no scattered orange peel, nor daily journal littered on the grass. Others may view these with distaste and pass. Let no one say, and say it to your shame, that all was beauty here until you came." Written on a panel in Linton. Imagine that they took the time and effort to have these words cast and erected. Warnings about litter many years ago. How many people even take the time to read these words now?
RSS Feed
