New Iron Totem Pole
Geddington Brickyard Garden
(GBG) unveiled its new Iron Totem
Pole during its Summer Open
Day on 26th June. The amazing
iron sculpture was designed and
created by Geddington resident
Dave McAlwane of Mac Iron
Works, who donated hundreds
of hours of voluntary, skilled time
to the project. The Iron Totem
Pole celebrates the creativity of
Geddington’s local community,
past and present, and now stands
proudly at the entrance to the
community garden.

The story starts with five heavy
bags of old iron dug up at the
GBG site during this project’s
development. Some iron artefacts
appeared to be hand-forged
and may have been 100 years
old. GBG and Dave McAlwane
discussed the possibility of using
the ‘old iron’ to maintain the history
of the GBG site. The result was a
‘box-kite’ structure that would also
incorporate 24 wrought iron panels
designed by Geddington School
children.

Each detailed panel shows aspects of village life as drawn
by the children. Look carefully and you can see the bridge,
the church, Queen Eleanor Cross, Boughton Estate logo
and so much more.

With the help of many volunteers, the three-metre pole was
transported to the site, raised onto its plinth and wrapped
in cloth until it was unveiled by Mark Rowley amid much
applause.
All are welcome to visit Geddington Brickyard Garden,
which is some 200 m along public byway at end of Wood
Street, to see the structure for yourselves. Please feel free
to go into the GBG wooden shed where you can have a go
at the Iron Totem Pole Quiz and other drawing activities.
Dave McAlwane continues to fulfil his passion for creative
ironwork and, with his son Daniel, has formed Mac Iron
Works which offers bespoke wrought iron metal work,
from gates, fence panels, garden arches to quirky wine
racks made from horse shoes. Dave or Daniel can be
contacted for a free survey/quotation on 07470 056282,
07770 516150 or by emailing
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

GBG also wishes to thank
Kensigns Ltd, Kettering, who
designed and donated the
commemorative plaque, and
Pam Hopkins who supplied the
photos.

 
Geddington Brickyard Garden