A Historic Landmark and Symbol of Community
Standing at the Crossroads of Sibford Ferris
The historic Sibford Elm near Sibford School.
Photo is from the 1945 edition of the school magazine. There had been a storm which had caused damage to the tree.
The sign has incorrect placenames due to the colorisation process.
The Old Elm at the crossroads on entering Sibford Ferris was adopted as the symbol for the Sibford Old Scholars' Association (SOSA).
This ancient tree stood as a welcoming guardian at the entrance to Sibford Ferris village, near Sibford School, for generations. It became not just a physical landmark, but a powerful symbol of continuity, community, and the enduring bonds between former students of the historic Quaker school.
The original Old Elm tree stood at the crossroads entering Sibford Ferris, serving as a natural landmark for travelers and a gathering point for the community.
The Sibford Old Scholars' Association (SOSA) was founded in 1903. The Old Elm became recognized as a symbol of the school and its alumni community.
A significant milestone: a plot of land was bought and a Garden of Remembrance was built on the opposite side of the road from the Elm tree, creating a memorial space for the school community.
The original Old Elm succumbed to old age and the ravages of Dutch Elm disease, which devastated elm populations across Britain.
Despite the loss of the original tree, an Elm tree still remains in the Garden of Remembrance, continuing the legacy and symbolism of the Sibford Elm.
In 1934, the Sibford Old Scholars' Association purchased a plot of land opposite the Old Elm and established a Garden of Remembrance. This peaceful space was created to honor past scholars and maintain the connection between generations of Sibford students.
The garden serves as both a memorial and a meeting place, embodying the Quaker values of peace, reflection, and community that have been central to Sibford School since its founding in 1842.
Dutch Elm Disease devastated elm populations across Britain from the 1960s onwards, killing millions of trees that had stood for centuries.
The original Sibford Elm, like so many ancient elms across England, fell victim to this fungal disease. Combined with the natural aging of the tree, it eventually succumbed, marking the end of an era for the physical landmark that had welcomed generations to Sibford Ferris.
The Old Elm at the crossroads was officially adopted as the symbol for the Sibford Old Scholars' Association, representing:
The enduring nature of the community bonds formed at Sibford
A welcoming landmark for returning alumni
Linking past, present, and future generations
The personal development experienced at Sibford School
"Ye menne of sheep-ford wendath withersover they wilen"
Adopted from the Domesday Book, this motto translates in modern English to: "You men of Sibford go where the will takes you."
This motto reflects the spirit of independence and adventure encouraged at Sibford School, while the elm tree symbolizes the rooted connection that remains no matter where alumni travel.
While the original ancient elm that stood for centuries has been lost, the spirit and symbolism of the Sibford Elm lives on:
📍 Address:
The Crossroads
Entering Sibford Ferris
Near Sibford School
Oxfordshire
OX15 5QL
The Garden of Remembrance is located on the opposite side of the road from where the original elm stood.
| Original Tree: | Ancient Elm |
|---|---|
| Location: | Crossroads, Sibford Ferris |
| Symbolism: | SOSA Official Emblem |
| Garden Created: | 1934 |
| Lost to: | Age & Dutch Elm Disease |
| Replacement: | Elm in Memorial Garden |
| Associated School: | Sibford School (founded 1842) |
Sibford Old Scholars' Association
SOSA was founded in 1903 to maintain connections between former students of Sibford School. The association has been meeting and publishing for over 120 years.
English Elm (Ulmus procera)
The Garden of Remembrance is accessible to visitors. Alumni are especially welcome to visit during SOSA reunion events.
Sibford School:
Sibford Ferris
Banbury
Oxfordshire OX15 5QL
Tel: 01295 781200