Alford Gets a New Landmark Village Sculpture

Published on: 11 Jun, 2026
Updated on: 11 Jun, 2026

Residents and councillors gather at Alford Crossways to see the unveiling of the steel oak tree sculpture.

Alford residents and parish councillors gathered at the Alford Crossways to see the unveiling of a monumental new and unique sculpture for the village.

Borough and county councillor Kevin Deanus cut the ribbon on the 12ft high steel oak tree mounted on a base which declares: “Alford – Heart of the Fold Country”.

Parish councillor Chris Britton, who led the project, said: “No one will pass by on the A281 between Guildford and Horsham in future without noticing they are in Alfold, and that it has a real ‘heart’’’.

Cllr Kevin Deanus (right) cuts the ribbon with Cllr Chris Britton helping.

Conservative councillor Deanus referred to landmarks in Alfold’s long history, to which he felt this sign would be a fitting addition and talked about for years to come.

The term Fold Country refers to a pen for animals, celebrating the area’s rural heritage and historic local identity rooted in farming, woodland and the old Wealden landscape.

Sir Jeremy Hunt, MP, posted the event on X calling it a “stunning design”.

The Alford steel oak tree. “A stunning design” said Sir Jeremy Hunt.

Alfold Parish Council funded the project using Community Infrastructure Levy funds. They worked closely with a small family firm in Leicestershire, Caltef Designs Ltd., to produce the bespoke piece. It is made of “weathering steel” and will last for decades without the need for any significant maintenance.

The sculpture was designed by Cllr Britton with technical assistance from Tony Ferris. Chris and Tony volunteer together at the Weald and Downland Museum in the 1850 Victorian forge situated next to the famous barn used for the BBC series, The Repair Shop.