The Parishes of Great Ness & Little Ness, Shropshire
The Nesses Parish Heritage Project
(Phase One: the Great Ness Pump, Pound, Path & Well House Project)
The Nesses Heritage Project Update April 2009
The Pump at Great Ness has been finished! Some wood has been replaced as it was either rotten or missing and the pump now has a wooden top. A new spout has been designed and made by the late Mr Eric Avery of Llansilin. Below the spout is a plaque inscribed:
‘Spout made by Eric Avery Llansilin – 2008’
Mr Eric Avery, a skilled wood turner, was asked whether he could make the spout for the Great Ness Pump. He willingly agreed. He looked forward to doing it as it was a challenge.
As well as being a wood turner he had been a bell ringer at Llansilin where he helped with restoration work. He was once the professional gardener for the Duke of Rutland’s gardens at Belvoir Castle near Nottingham and Head Gardener for the Lotus Shoe Company.
Unfortunately Mr Avery died aged 70, soon after making the spout for us and the cap for the pump – in fact these were the very last examples of his skills with wood. Luckily these final items were found after his death so that now they can, in some small way, be a memorial to him. Thanks Mr Avery!
The stones in the field by the Village Pound have all been tidied by volunteers and four oak trees have been planted.
Phase Two of the project is the Pond. It is hoped that a grant will help towards its reinstatement as an attractive feature of the area. At present it is in a dismal state – what should we do with it? Ideas are welcome.
Photographs copyright Mr J Townsend
