Snail trail is a dream come true

It was 14 years ago when Jayne Andrew first had the idea of a heritage trail across Aylsham.

On August 1, Jayne’s dream became a reality when the Aylsham Snail Trail was officially launched with the unveiling of a stunning giant snail sculpture in the Market Place outside the Town Hall. Jayne, Learning Officer at Aylsham Heritage Centre, said: “I’m very proud, very pleased and very tired. The day has gone amazingly well. It’s quite surreal to be here because it’s been 14 years in the making. “I had this idea 14 years ago, but I couldn’t do it on my own. It was too big a thing.”

IDEA: Jayne Andrew, who led the Snail Trail project. Picture: HOLLY LOUISE

The permanent trail, which has a total of 22 artist-designed snail markers, was developed by Aylsham Town Council, Aylsham Heritage Centre and Cittaslow, and part-funded by the ‘Love Your Market Town’ scheme in conjunction with Norfolk County Council, Broadland District Council and South Norfolk Council. Aylsham is part of the Cittaslow movement, which uses a snail as its logo.

A competition was held to name the Market Place snail and the winning suggestion was Diddy Dodderman from Sue Lowe. It was particularly apt as, in Norfolk dialect, dodderman is one of the names for a snail.

PRIDE OF PLACE: Diddy Dodderman at his new home in the Market Place. Picture: HOLLY LOUISE

The trail is self-guided and can be followed by using a free booklet available from the Heritage Centre, using the QR codes on the snail plaques or via the Visit Aylsham website – www.visitaylsham.org

Diddy Dodderman, the centrepiece of the trail, was painted by town artist Mik Richardson and features a host of landmarks and scenes from across the Aylsham area.
“I’m absolutely honoured to be asked to do something for my now home town,” said Mik, who has painted 132 sculptures for 65 trails across the country.
“I moved here when I finished in the air force 20 years ago, literally when Aylsham became a Cittaslow town.”
Mik, who estimated it took 60 to 80 hours to paint the snail, added: “I’m just blown away to have been asked to do this and I’m really pleased how it’s come out.”

Mik and master stone carver Teucer Wilson, who created six snail plaques for the trail, were given the honour of unveiling Diddy Dodderman. The other local artists who contributed to the trail are Jess Perry, Robyn Pond, Peter Windmill, Su Owen, Jude Smith, pupils at Aylsham High School, Melanie Claxton, Authur Purdy, and Kate Read. Aylsham Town Council Chair Kay Montandon said: “Aylsham Town Council and Visit Aylsham are very pleased to have this beautiful artwork in the town to draw people in and also to celebrate the heritage of the town. It’s absolutely wonderful.

LAUNCH DAY: Mik Richardson (left) and Teucer Wilson unveil the snail sculpture. Picture: HOLLY LOUISE

“The Town Council has been fully behind it and we’re really pleased that Jayne has finally got her wish after all these years.
“Huge numbers of people have put a lot of effort into it and we thank all of the artists for the incredible job they’ve done.”

The launch of the trail also featured the Great Aylsham Snail Race, wildlife-related activities, live music and the chance to enjoy the Aylsham Food and Craft Market.

FIRST LOOK: Youngsters see the sculpture for the first time. Picture: IAN GRAVENELL

FOLLOW THE SNAIL TRAIL

1. Town Hall
   2. Old Tea Rooms
   3. The Ironmongers Hotel
   4. Joseph Clover
   5. The Black Boys Hotel
   6. Laxen Family
   7. The Still
   8. St Michael’s Church
   9. The Heritage Centre
   10. The old Red Lion
   11. The Watermill
   12. The Staithe
   13. Recreation Ground
   14. The Bridewell
   15. Bure Valley Railway
   16. The Pillbox
   17. Woodgate Nursery
   18. The Workhouse (St Michael’s)
   19. Drill Hall
   20. The Cinema
   21. The Soame Pump
   22. The Buttlands
   See www.visitaylsham.org/snail-trail for more information.