Tim Beer, a 67-year-old heritage enthusiast, is dedicated to recovering and restoring lost roadside signs, including boundary posts dating back to the 1700s. Among his remarkable collection are two of the four original boundary markers from 1909 that once marked the division between Somerset and Dorset. These markers became obsolete following boundary changes in 1963.
Living in Stony Knaps, Somerset, Tim was born in Winsham and has long been passionate about preserving historical road signage. He describes himself as a “stolen sign finder,” committed to returning such markers to their rightful roadside locations rather than allowing them to languish in private collections.
“Regardless of their official status, these boundary markers are important pieces of our heritage,” Tim said. “They belong to all of us and should be preserved rather than discarded. If we allow history to vanish, we risk losing it forever.”
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Tim has launched a crowdfunding campaign to raise £2,400 to reproduce four 1909 boundary posts at a local foundry, with the aim of reinstalling them along their original borderlines. The process involves casting, finishing, and the use of specialised paints, which contribute to the cost and time. Restoring each post from its initial state to completion typically takes around two months.
“Even if I don’t raise the full amount, I plan to restore as many posts as possible. Any additional funds will support future restoration projects,” Tim explained.
Somerset and Dorset are renowned for their heritage signage, notably the iconic white fingerpost signs prevalent on many local roads. Tim, formerly employed in the cider industry, emphasises the importance of such markers today, particularly given the unreliability of some sat nav systems and occasional lack of signal in rural areas.
“People may say these signs are no longer needed because of sat navs,” Tim noted. “Yet, while I was restoring a fingerpost earlier this year, two elderly ladies driving by stopped to ask for directions-they didn’t have a sat nav. These traditional signs often provide reliable guidance, steering drivers away from unpleasant or unsuitable routes.”
Tim’s interest in boundary markers began in childhood, sparked by a marker on a local river bridge near his home that was later destroyed. His current residence was once close to the Somerset-Dorset boundary before changes moved it along the River Axe in 1966.
“Over the years, I have seen many markers lose their significance, get discarded, or hidden away,” he said. “They represent our heritage; it’s vital we safeguard them.”
In addition to boundary markers, Tim restores and refurbishes fingerposts across Dorset and Wiltshire and often works with parish councils. He expresses concern over the theft of signs, which are sometimes sold privately, removing them from public view.
“I dislike how many signs end up in private collections, inaccessible to the public,” Tim said. “For example, I recently purchased cast iron Bristol Turnpipe Trust boundary markers from 1823 at an antique shop in London. They had clearly been removed unlawfully. After refurbishment with support from South West Heritage, they will be reinstated to their rightful place.”
Tim invites anyone who finds damaged signs on roadsides in Somerset, Dorset, or Devon to collect them and contact him so he can ensure their restoration and return.
The crowdfunding page to support the reproduction and restoration of the 1909 boundary posts has already raised over £1,200 towards its £2,400 target.