Plaque marking former wedding venue stolen

Thieves have stolen a memorial plaque to commemorate those who exchanged their vows at a former wedding venue in Sherwood Forest.

The plaque was located on the site of the Oak Room, which was part of the RSPB's former visitor centre in Edwinstowe before it was demolished in 2019.

Mark Wardle, who married there in 2013, said he was "so sad" that the item had been stolen in the same week it was due to be officially revealed after a five-year campaign.

The RSPB said it was "disappointed and saddened" that the plaque had been taken and hoped that it may be recovered.

Wardle, who lives in the Nottinghamshire village, said locals were frustrated that the disappearance of the plaque "ruined" plans to unveil the site on Saturday.

"I was really, really disappointed that we've got these people amongst us that do this kind of thing," he said.

"It's just such a shame.

"Where it actually was, is amazing.

"Behind the fence, in that exact area, is where the Oak Room was, where we all got married, and just beyond that is a tree where so many wedding photos have been taken.

"There are a lot of memories there. I've got all my wedding photos with a lot of people that aren't here anymore, including mine and my wife's parents."

The plaque had been put in place after a five-year campaign led by the Edwinstowe Historical Society and its chairwoman Shirley Moore, 90.

The original plaque was funded through a Nottinghamshire County Council grant.

Wardle said: "It was really quite sad to see the demise of the old visitor centre.

"I sat there contemplating and I thought we've got nowhere now to actually go to remember where we actually got married.

"The plaque was mounted on the fence already for the unveiling on Saturday and then, lo and behold, it's gone.

"It's just so sad."

The Edwinstowe Historical Society has said it will pay for a replacement plaque at a heavily reduced rate after the supplier gave them a discount.

Molly Wright, secretary of the historical society, said: "It's very disappointing when I think of all the hard work that's gone into arranging the plaque.

"I was devastated, to be honest with you.

"I think it was a disgusting thing for anybody to do."

Jessica Dumoulin, RSPB visitor experience manager at Sherwood Forest, urged anyone who may know anything about the theft to come forward.

"We are disappointed and saddened that someone would steal a plaque that would commemorate the happy memories and special day that so many people shared over the years at Sherwood Forest," she said.

"We know that a visit to Sherwood Forest is special, but for some it also marked the start of a new phase of life, and working with the Edwinstowe Historical Society, we were looking forward to celebrating their day and this part of our history.

"We hope it can be recovered and that it will be returned to its rightful place at Sherwood Forest, and would urge anyone who knows anything to contact the police."

Nottinghamshire Police said the plaque was stolen between 10:00 BST on Thursday and 09:00 on Friday.

The force said it was contacted about the theft on Friday and appealed for anyone with information about the whereabouts of the plaque to get in touch.

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