A PLANTING structure in the shape of the Wellington Monument mysteriously appeared earlier in May on Longforth Farm roundabout.

Now planted up with summer blooms it will provide a striking “Welcome to Wellington” for visitors and residents alike.

The monument planter was a common sight in the town in the 1990s and 2000s, and was situated in a variety of locations around the town. Absent for a number of years, it stayed in storage at Somerset Council’s depot until it was offered to the Town Council in 2024. Upon acquiring the lost asset, the Town Council has it refurbished and set about deciding the best location for it once they took on the ownership and management of open spaces in April 2025.

After much discussion among councillors and staff, and liaising with Somerset Council Highways, it was agreed that the most appropriate location for the planter would be in the centre of the Longforth Farm roundabout.

The structure and gravel surround were installed by R W Gale Ltd in early May with the Open Spaces Team from Wellington Town Council waiting until the end of the month to install the florals.

Petunias and Surfinias in a variety of colours have been added to the monument; they will be swapped out with evergreen plants in the Autumn to keep it visually appealing all year-round. The petunias will develop a trailing effect as they grow with the hope the planter is overflowing with blooms this summer.

The Wellington Monument Planter was fabricated back in 1992 by local craftsman Reg Grabham. Reg’s daughter-in-law and son, Diane and David Grabham, said: “It’s great to see this version of Wellington Monument brought back into use.

“I’m proud to think my father, the late Reg Grabham created it. He would have been really pleased to see it has found a new home, welcoming people to the town.

“I recall someone from Wellington in Bloom asking him if he could create a structure for displaying flowers to represent Wellington Monument. It was a very broad request, without any plans or measurements but typically he was able to construct just what was needed.”

Reg was an industrial blacksmith by trade, working first at Poole Brickworks and later at F&R Cooling. Diane continued: “He had the ability to adapt, repair, design and make virtually anything in metal and there are many examples of his work throughout the town.

"I remember going with him to watch his version of the monument being craned onto the roof of the post office sorting office in High Street. I think it was then in the front of the United Reform Church for a couple of years before it disappeared and we thought it had been forgotten.

“It’s fantastic that it’s been brought back to life and into service once again. I know my father would be so proud and pleased - it’s a fitting tribute to his memory and a terrific asset for the town. Thank you to Darren (Open Spaces Manager) and Wellington Town council for making this happen.”