A Grand Return: The Mystery of the Missing Learning Lectern Solved (Sort of!)

Helen Sismore

There is something special about Clipsham Yew Tree Avenue. It’s a place where history, nature, and community come together for a peaceful stroll. But for the last three years, something vital has been missing.

We are absolutely delighted to announce that a brand-new learning lectern has finally been installed at the Avenue!

The Curious Case of the Stolen Lectern

To understand why this is such a victory, we have to travel back three years. In a bizarre turn of events, our original information sign vanished into thin air.

Now, this wasn’t a flyer you could just slip into your pocket. The original lectern weighed a massive 150kg and was securely concreted into the ground. It would have taken serious muscle, time, and a healthy dose of audacity to remove it. To this day, the culprit and the sign remain a mystery.

“It really was the weirdest thing to find out that the original lectern had been stolen, and it has never been found. What is really strange is that it would not have been easy to move. Anyway, that is history, and we are now very happy to share this good news with the public.” — Dr Patrick Candler, Chair of Clipsham Yew Tree Trust

What’s New?

Our new lectern, beautifully crafted by Nature Sign Design, is officially open for readers!

Installed with love by our brilliant team of Trust volunteers, the new sign is packed with vibrant photos and fascinating facts. It is designed to help you spot and identify the rich, diverse species of flora and fauna that call the Avenue home.

Whether you are a passionate nature lover, a curious child, or just enjoying a weekend walk, the lectern highlights exactly why this site is so crucial for nature, the environment, and the local community.

 

 

A Massive Thank You to Our Community

This replacement wouldn’t have been possible without an incredible collective effort. We want to extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who stepped up to fund this project, including:

  • Our Wonderful Community: Numerous individual donors who generously dipped into their own pockets.
  • The National Lottery Heritage Foundation: For their invaluable National Heritage Lottery Fund support.
  • The Castle Bytham Midsummer Festival: For providing a local Community grant to provide a visitor learning experience.

   

 

Next time you are visiting Clipsham Yew Tree Avenue, make sure to stop by, have a read, and celebrate this fantastic new addition with us.

Have you had a chance to see the new lectern yet? If not, we are having some perfect weather for an early morning or late-night stroll