The memorial plaque on Montague House, the last home of the Blair Family in Southwold is very badly weathered. In addition, the house has only a narrow pavement, between it and the road. The two factors make it very difficult to see and read, because it is mounted above the level of the front door.

The new plaque is planned to be unveiled, subject to final approval by the Planning Authority on Sunday May 20th this year. The unveiling will include prominent members of the community in Southwold and of course the owner of Montague House and members of The Orwell Society including our Patron, Orwell’s son Richard Blair.

The new plaque will be made of Welsh Slate, by the same people who make the Barnhill commemorative slates. It will be 300mm*300mm and should be easy to read.

The New plaque will have the following simple inscription

THE FAMILY HOME FROM 1932 - 1941 OF GEORGE ORWELL (1903-1950)

Liz Kopp and Karen Blair will cycle the 100 miles from “The Old Stores” in Wallington, Orwell’s home near Baldock in Hertfordshire to Southwold over 2 days. They will complete 60 miles to Stowmarket in Suffolk on Saturday 19th May and the final 40 miles to Southwold on the 20th May. They will arrive for the unveiling at 2.30pm.

Please can you reward their effort to bring publicity to the new Plaque by donating towards the £500 cost of the plaque and securing it to the house. Liz, Karen and I are donating our travel and hotel costs and my costs to provide support along the route.

Quentin Kopp - The Orwell Society Events Secretary

Old Plaque is below.