08 Dec 2025
A new gate design for Wheathampstead’s Crinkle Crankle Corner has been chosen following a popular community design competition jointly run by Wheathampstead & District Preservation Society (WDPS) and Wheathampstead Parish Council.
The competition, launched in October, attracted 18 entries, with three designs shortlisted for final judging. The winning design, created by local resident Andi Grant, was announced at a community event held at Crinkle Crankle Corner.
Despite the less-than-kind December weather, competitors and supporters gathered to celebrate the result and show their support.
Honorary Alderman Annie Brewster DL JP presented certificates to those attending and praised the standard of the designs, saying: “Many people are not aware, tucked behind our High Street, are two remarkable Crinkle Crankle Walls.
“These unique serpentine brick walls flanking our beautiful community garden date back to the early 18th century and are rare examples of a traditional crinkle crankle design, which not only look amazing but also serve a practical purpose, strengthening the structure by distributing pressure across its gentle curves.
“What a lovely idea to hold a village competition to create a special welcome into the Crinkle Crankle Corner, making the area more visible to visitors. The submissions were stunning and very personal to Wheathampstead. Congratulations to everyone who entered.”
Chair of WDPS Julie Bell added: “The winning entry was very stylish and the judges were unanimous that it should be the winning entry.”
She said that the project reflects Wheathampstead’s approach to carefully improving its public spaces:
“Wheathampstead benefits so much from small incremental changes that keep the village fresh and vibrant. This gate is a lovely example of how we can involve the community while enhancing a much-loved corner of the village.”
Entries were judged against criteria including practicality and robustness, manufacturability, fit to the site dimensions, reflection of local character, aesthetic appeal, originality, and clarity of the design. Judges were looking for a design that felt “at home” in its setting and would create an attractive and durable entrance to Crinkle Crankle Corner.
The winning gate will now be manufactured and installed alongside new estate railings, with installation expected to take place in the spring.
