THE Meaden family from Minchington, on Cranborne Chase, has completed a full restoration of a traditional fingerpost sign in the small hamlet near Sixpenny Handley.

Bill Meaden, owner of Cranborne Chase Cider, and his father Simon paid for the refurbishment which was carried out with the skills of Adam Batty and Graham Cradock.

The restoration is part of the Dorset Fingerpost Project, a campaign run by Dorset Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty to encourage businesses, residents and communities to restore the county’s iconic fingerposts.

Bill says: “We have lived in Minchington all our lives and the fingerpost at the end of the lane has always been an important feature, so when we heard about the Dorset Fingerpost Project we wanted to get involved in bringing it back to its former glory. We hope people will see the new sign, and be inspired to adopt or even repair one.”

The signpost was reinstated in time for the Meaden family’s Last of the Summer Cider in September.

Sue Mitchell from the Dorset AONB says: “This is another fantastic example of how passionate Dorset businesses and residents feel towards our iconic fingerpost signs. We are encouraging everyone and anyone in Dorset to get involved to help the county maintain its local distinctiveness.

“If anyone would like to find out how to become a fingerpost champion, they can contact Dorset AONB expressing their interest about a local sign and together we can then ensure that the signs are restored to retain their historical integrity.”

For more information on the Dorset Fingerpost Project and how to become a fingerpost champion please visit www.dorsetaonb.org.uk or alternatively call Katharine Wright 01305 228239.

Simon Meaden (left) is pictured with carpenter Adam Batty and Bill Meaden under the newly restored Minchington fingerpost.