St Mary’s Totnes Heritage Trust has commissioned an enormous, spectacular, heritage map of Totnes which is now installed in the North Aisle of St Mary’s Church together with a fascinating heritage exhibition. The map, drawn by local artist Anna Ventura, is more than just a map of the physical town. It is also a snapshot of Totnes in 2019, with stories and characters that local residents will recognise. Claudia Schmid has created a border for the map, with some of her unique and beautiful creatures as if they were on a journey to Totnes themselves, illustrating the behind-the-scenes story common to every ancient place. Matt Harvey, the celebrated Totnes poet, has written a poem for the map. The poem celebrates Totnes 2019 and the fabulous church in which it will lie for many years to come.
This is the place
Totnes, Transition Town astride the Dart,
we’re twinned with Vire, and Narnia. And Sirius.
A confluence of head and hand and heart
that draws the questing and the curious.
Up from the Plains, through East Gate Arch, the climb
Is steeped in story, layered over time.
The present and the past run parallel:
rood screen, gargoyle, photovoltaic cell,
our shops organic, homegrown, fairly traded
busker-beguiled and seagull-serenaded.
And if you’re lost, don’t worry, help is near.
Ask anyone, they’ll tell you: YOU ARE HERE
A Totnes Poem By Matt Harvey