To commemorate the Millennium the Bamford Touch Stone Trail was created. The community wanted a lasting memory of this very special occasion and after holding
a meeting in October 1999, a local resident and artist, Jenny Mather, proposed the idea of a Touch Stone Trail. This project would be a permanent reminder of the millennium, reflecting memorable aspects of Bamford both
old and new, as well as encouraging visitors to discover what Bamford has to offer.
To begin with, countless clay models were created by local families. The artist then sculpted each of them together to produce intricate touchstone designs.
Rubber moulds were made of each touchstone to enable a resin and ground stone
mixture to be poured in. This process creates a very hardwearing sculpture to
withstand the weather conditions. The touchstones resemble gritstone found in
the surrounding Dark Peak area. Sheffield University have made replicas of ancient
artefact using the same technique.
The Touchstones illustrate Air, Water, Earth and Fire. The stones at situated on a five-mile walk around the edges of the village.
A central Touchstone combines all four elements. A celtic symbol is present
on all the touchstones to signify the millennium.
The creation of the Touchstone Trail and all its supporting material is a celebration
of community spirit. The 1,400 strong community of Bamford pulled together to
create a lasting icon for generations to come. We thank all the adults and children
of bamford who modelled many of the animals, flowers and people on the touchstones, and all who helped get the project off
the ground.
The project could not have been made possible without the financial and physical
help of the Local Heritage Initiative
Nationwide Building Society
High Peak Borough Council Community Arts
The Peak District National Park Authority, Ranger Service and Sustainable Development
Fund
Hugh and Ruby Sykes Charitable Trust
Severn Trent
Bamford & District History Society
The Duke of Devonshire Trust
We hope you enjoy the trail..
