The village sign

Last updated: Sunday, 02 July 2006, 04:15 AM

The village sign was erected in 1989 and represents life in Hardwick from its beginning to the present day.

The sign is an apple, showing the village’s connection with fruit growing. The tree trunk surrounded by leaves and blossom is a sign of ongoing natural life.

Under the tree is the church signifying the Christian faith. The figures of a man and woman with boy and girl represent the family lifestyle. The sheep and shepherd’s crook represent the origin of the name Hardwick. The sign is held by two hands which represent a caring community.

Underneath the sign are the Latin words “EX ANTIQUIS ET NOVISSIMIS OPTIMA”, which have been taken to mean “The best comes from the old and new”, although a better translation would be “Best of the olde—and of the latest”*. It is the same motto as that of Fitzwilliam College. For more information, see the March 1999 Millennium Newswire.

Thanks to Prof. John Henderson, Professor of Classics at Cambridge University, for this suggestion.