From an acorn sent to England by the Mayor of Verdun in 1919...grew a magnificent Oak over 100 years, watching over residents and passers-by in Pembridge village...until a storm in 2020 split the branches and left just the main trunk remaining...this was removed in 2022 to prevent further decay and will be carved into a Sculpture, as a legacy for the local community and parish, symobolising resilience in adversity and continuity.

The chosen artist is an award- winning Sculptor. Ed Elliott is a local sculptor who achieved national recognition for his angel titled 'Greer' which was commissioned by the National Trust.

Elliott won the Hereford based H-Art 2012 Young Artist's Bursary and obtained a BA(Hons) in Fine Art (Sculpture) from Cardiff School of Art & Design in 2008.

His angel sculpture Greer, carved from Plane wood and installed on the National Trust's Mottisfont Estate in Hampshire is now part of a collection alongside sculptures by Antony Gormley, Elisabeth Frink, and Thomas Heatherwick. 

Elliott's works have also been exhibited in New Zealand, Italy, and Vietnam. He lives in Malvern and maintains a Studio in Ledbury, Herefordshire. 

The Pembridge community, new and long-standing are the driving force behind this initiative and a group of active volunteers comprising, local tradesmen, are working to fulfil this project. 

The demise of the prominent, historic oak tree generated strong community support for a lasting legacy on the same site. 

Parishioners, the Parish Council, the Pembridge Amenity Trust and interested benefactors have all committed to the project. 

The prominent location on the A44 will ensure the Sculpture will be a significant landmark for passers-by.