29 December 2023 , 18:31
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The removal of the iconic Land's End signpost is ushering the end of an era after 66 years.
The famous signpost-turned landmark has stood for decades as a feature marking the end point of Cornwall. A number of famous faces are among the hundreds of thousands of people that have posed beside since it was put up in the 1950s.
But now the individual tasked with manning the post has confirmed it is the "end of an era" for Land's End.
Peter Puddiphatt, who has diligently worked beside the post for nearly three decades, says that Land's End has decided not to renew its contract with the local company that put the sign up. Peter's last day was on Thursday, and he says the sign will soon disappear from the cliff.
Courtwood Photographic, a Penzance-based photo processing company, has held a contract and owned the signpost for nearly seven decades. Generations of visitors have paid a visit to the location just to take home a poignant reminder of their visit to Land's End, reports Cornwall Live.
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Sharing the news in a Facebook post, Mr Puddiphatt said: "End of an era! After 66 years, Land’s End have not renewed their contract with Courtwoods of Penzance for 2024. So, from 31st December 2023 there will be no more Courtwoods signpost to have a photo with.
"My last shift today, after a total of 28 years, 1979 to 84 and 2000 to 2023. I’ve always called it my fun job. You meet some very interesting people, lots of celebrities, and always the fabulous views over Land’s End to enjoy.
A host of famous faces have papped themselves in front of the sign (Mirrorpix)"Breathtaking sunsets, beautiful cloud effects and all the big storms. I have seen so much wildlife, including a humpback whale, in Dollar Cove.
"Sadly we don’t see the basking sharks that we did in past years, but now see the huge bluefin tuna instead. Great memories! I have been fortunate to have had three of my granddaughters work various summer seasons alongside me, and this year my daughter-in-law."
It was first established in 1957 when a local family-run business erected the Cornish landmark (Mirrorpix)The iconic Land’s End signpost was first established in 1957 when the local family-run business first put up the Cornish landmark. Thousands of people have been photographed alongside it since including the many charity fundraisers who take part in the JOGLE trip from end to end.
The Land's End website states: "A local photography company still owns and operates the signpost today, with generations of visitors having paid to take home a unique record of their time here at Land’s End. Nowadays, in keeping with tradition, just tell the photographers your home city and they’ll make up its name and fit the lettering into the signpost.
"They’ve calculated the distance from Land’s End to thousands of cities worldwide, so they’re able to complete your ‘personal’ Land’s End Signpost with the number of miles to your nearest town or city – or any other message you’d like."
Locals took to Facebook to lament over the loss of the "iconic" signpost. Sammy Whyman-Taylor wrote: "Noooooo it’s iconic as the nearly home trees. Both should be protected!!!!! Cornwall seems to be disappearing. Its heritage is being forgotten, we need to hold onto everything we have that represents us!!!!"
The user was referring to a clump of 140 Beech trees called Cookworthy Knapp, more commonly referred to as the "nearly home trees", which many locals recall seeing as they return to the area.
Pat Williams added: "It's a landmark which has also helped raise millions of pounds for charities over the years. Another part of Cornwall gone. Soon we won't have the tourism because there'll be nothing worth seeing or it'll be priced out."
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Steven Peplow took to the page to assure locals that the famed landmark isn't going anywhere. He wrote: "It's not going. It'll still be there, but owned and run by Land's End instead of Courtwoods. [...] Which is a great pity, as Courtwoods are a fantastic, local company who have long been a great employer."