The Kissing Gate 

"Kissing Gates" are as much part of the rural landscape as bales of hay and rolling fields but, together with stiles, they are falling victim to the demands of modern life and sadly many are being removed.  

 Background:

The name is often associated with a traditional game played when more than one person is passing through a kissing gate. In order for the first person to pass fully through the gate they have to close it to the next person. At this point, when the two are on either side of the gate, the person in front "refuses" entry to the second person until presented with a kiss.   The alternative origin of the name, and probably the most likely, is that the gate merely "kisses" (touches) the enclosure either side, rather than needing to be securely latched.

Whatever the source of the origin of its name, it is, without doubt, an intrinsic part of rural life and the Heritage Group were anxious to reinstate the kissing gate to the entry to the Dene Meadow, thus restoring a much loved feature that was removed many years ago.

The Project:

For many, many years the old kissing gate stood guard at the entrance to the lovely Dene Meadow and generations of children and adults enjoyed the fun of passing through its unique design. Sadly, many years ago, the gate was removed to allow disabled and other users to gain better access but unfortunately, the rusting remains of the structure were left in place and overtime they become quite an unkempt eyesore.

A proposal was submitted to the Parish Council outlining the project and seeking funding.  Under the ‘Open Spaces’ Scheme funds were available for projects which enhanced areas within the village and the Parish Council agreed that this project fell within this remit and approval was given.

The original kissing gate was stored, for many years, in a local barn.   Fortunately, the structure was in quite good order so a decision was taken to restore the original mechanism and commission a matching pedestrian gate. 

A local Blacksmith was chosen to undertake the work.  In January 2010 the old mechanism was collected and work started on the renovation and the forging of a new post and pedestrian gate. 
The work was completed in February and installation took place on the 28th March 2010 .