The stone, laid by Wandsworth Council on Festing Road, reads: “Happy and Glorious Queen Elizabeth’s Diamond Jubilee 2012”.
Putney residents could be living on one of London’s most patriotic streets after celebrating the unveiling of a commemorative paving stone to mark the Queen’s Jubilee.
The stone, laid by Wandsworth Council on Festing Road, reads: “Happy and Glorious Queen Elizabeth’s Diamond Jubilee 2012”.
Neighbours arranged for the permanent tribute to be laid close to the River Thames, where Her Majesty will be sailing during a grand river pageant on June 3rd.
It is the second paving stone to be laid on the Putney road.
In 2009 a stone was laid to commemorate storyteller David McKee, creator of famous cartoon Mr Benn who lived in similarly named Festive Road.
Mastermind behind the engravings, Hugh Thompson, hopes the jubilee stone – dubbed the People’s Stone – will inspire more works of ‘street art’.
Mr Thompson, who has lived in Putney for 35 years, said: “Why should pavements be dull places, just for walking on? Why can’t they tell a story be part of our culture – and make a statement both for now and for the future?
“These pieces of street art can celebrate one-off events or lasting legacies but ultimately they could become a grand tapestry of stories celebrating the history of where we live.
“With the Olympics around the corner, I’d like to see paving stones across London commemorating that.”
The cost of engraving a paving stone totals around £380 – money which must be raised by the residents choosing to lay the commemorative piece.
The council does not provide any money towards the cost, but helps with the practicalities of having it laid.
Wandsworth Council’s cabinet member for strategic planning, Councillor Russell King, said: “We were more than happy to help Mr Thompson and his neighbours with their request to have this paving stone laid.
“Any of our residents are welcome to approach us with ideas for other stones. I think the idea of having ones celebrating the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games is incredible worthy.
“These commemorative stones certainly give streets that little bit more character and I hope the current residents – and future generations – enjoy them.”
Anyone with a little more to spend can invest in a metal paving which costs in the region of £450.
The stones can only be laid on roads managed by Wandsworth Council – not red routes.
To enquire about obtaining a commemorative paving stone, contact Dave Kelly at Wandsworth Council on 020 8871 5670 or email [email protected].
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