There weren’t really any orchestrated mass displays of cheap flags flying at half-mast in this part of Somerset. There were Union Flags displayed properly in Taunton and in our village hall, but those were there to commemorate VJ Day. Neither did I spot any crass graffiti defacing the roads. Not until we drove through Wellington while showing a visiting friend around our patch. As we turned at a junction, I noticed faint red lines scrawled across a dirty-white background. Normally, I’d think something as badly done as this was had to be the work of a toddler wearing mittens. It looked terrible, the lines squiggly and uneven, crossing each other off to one side so that it didn’t accurately resemble the flag of any country. It was so half-arsed, Andy didn’t even spot it. If the intention was meant to depict pride, it was a massive fail. All it did was cheapen the area, make it a place to avoid.
Using small roundabouts as a platform to promote something people are proud of isn’t uncommon in parts of Europe. I think it’s a great idea. It makes roundabouts more attractive, interesting even. It instantly tells visitors something about the traditions and culture of specific areas. I can think of a number of things that would serve a similar purpose where we live. While the town closest to us doesn’t have a ‘talking point’ centrepiece on the roundabout leading to it, it does have totem poles adjacent to the road. They look great.
Firefighters, Seixal, Portugal
Here’s a roundabout to truly instil pride. It commemorates the work of firefighters, whose jobs are dangerous and almost impossible in a country ravaged by wildfires each summer. This roundabout is in Seixal, just across the Tagus from Lisbon.
Sardines, Setúbal, Portugal
Although they do resemble IBMs, these proud sardines are designed to honour both the sea and the local fishermen who earn a living from it. It’s a roundabout which tells visitors about the traditional industry of the town.
A truffle hunter and his dog, France
When I was taking this photo outside a small town in Drôme Provençale, I deliberately cut out any evidence of the roundabout because it was just a nicer scene without cars whizzing past. They’re proud of their truffles in this area, as the sculpture of the man and his truffle-snuffling dog instantly suggests. It’s another which informs visitors about the area they’re driving through.
The bus, Azeitão, Portugal
There are two aspects to this roundabout. One is the old bus; a replica of the first one which ran between Azeitão and Setúbal in 1928. The other is the plants on view in the background – vines. This is wine-growing country, as locals like everyone to know.
Guanche Princess, Tenerife
Apologies for the shocking photo. This roundabout wasn’t far from our house on Tenerife. I kept meaning to get a decent photo, yet never got around to it. It’s of a Guanche Princess called Dacíl, daughter of the most powerful Guanche king. Despite being Spanish, the islanders the Canarios celebrate most are the original inhabitants.
All of the above reflect the culture, industry, personality, or traditions of the areas where they are located. They depict this in a hugely positive way. And they do so without making anyone else feel unwelcome. That’s something they all deserve to feel proud about.
