Potted history of Cove unveiled for all to see

Friday, 06 July 2012

Cove's history has been uncovered and brought to the fore on an eye-catching interpretation board that will be on display in all weathers for all to enjoy.

From 976 to the present day

With funding from Hampshire County Council's Community Challenge Fund and Rushmoor Borough Council, Cove School has created an interpretation board that plots the evolution of the village from the year 976 to the present day. Students from Cove School worked with graphic designer, Andy Bardell (a former pupil at Cove School), Cove Brook Greenway Group and representatives from other local groups to bring together information about the area and historic research into an exciting final design.

Through their research, they unearthed gems of information including the discovery that Cove is the only local place name that is still spelt exactly as it was in the Domesday Book. And, in 1908, Samuel Cody made the first sustained powered flight in Britain.

The 'Cove History Interpretation Board' has been erected at Cove Bridge and was unveiled by Councillor Ray Ellis, Hampshire County Council's Executive Member for Economic Development and Rural Affairs. At the unveiling he commented:

"This is a unique addition to the environmental improvements for Cove and is a real asset for the local community who will be able to learn about the past life of Cove. Visitors to the area will also be intrigued, I'm sure. I want to congratulate Cove School on taking the initiative and I'm delighted that the County Council has been so closely involved in this project."

Cove School's Headteacher, Megan Davies Jones, said:

"When the school won the Hampshire Schools' Futures Competition in 2007, we had no idea what an opportunity was to open before us. Under the skilful leadership of Mrs Carol King, who coordinates the school's citizenship programme, successive groups of students have worked on this local project over the past five years. Members of Hampshire County Council and Rushmoor Borough Council have been so supportive and the project would not have come to its successful conclusion without the dedication of all parties.

"What we have before us is a lasting legacy to the Cove Community and a splendid example of what effective collaboration and shared determination can achieve. We are delighted that the project has been completed to coincide with Her Majesty's Diamond Jubilee and also in the year in which Cove 'Senior' School celebrates 75 years serving the community."

Councillor Terry Bridgeman, Deputy Mayor of Rushmoor said,

"The Borough Council places great value on environmental improvements and projects like this are a great way to celebrate and enhance our local area. I would like to thank everyone involved in creating the interpretation board."

The research and development of the Cove History Interpretation Board began in 2007 and was completed in May 2012 at a cost of £3000.

• Community Challenge Fund

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