“Will this stone stand as long as the ancient Santon Cross itself?” That is the question that many asked when the Millennium Stone, Santon, was erected. Welcome! Today, we stand before the Millennium Stone, Santon. It is a monument marking the year 2000 AD. This stone stands at the junction of Church Road and the Old Castletown Road. It is near the Copper Beech tree.
The Millennium Stone, Santon, serves as a lasting symbol. It represents the parish’s history and community spirit. It is hand-carved on Pooil Vaaish slate. Its design imitates the shape of the original Santon Cross. This connects the present to the past.
In 1994, the Board of Santon Parish Commissioners decided to create a symbol. This symbol would mark their centenary. Mrs. Maureen C. Richards created drawings of the Santon Cross and a Viking longboat. These evoked historical aspects of Santon. The present logo was created based upon the shape of the original Santon Cross.
The parish escutcheon was used to create a composition for the Millennium Stone, Santon. The stone reflects a modern interpretation of the Celtic cross. Twenty-four stones were placed in each of the Island’s seventeen parishes and seven towns. Steve Prescott designed the stones. Each stone was placed on a plinth. Where possible, trees or other landscape features accompanied them.
Island Aggregates Limited provided financial support. This support helped place a kerb around the grass island. The Millennium Stone, Santon, and a bench now stand here. Two stone benches in Pooil Vaaish slate offer a resting place for walkers. Similar benches were installed overlooking the beach at Port Grenaugh. Sadly, one was stolen.
Santon has changed little over the centuries. However, some ribbon development occurred along the main road at Newtown. A Local Government Authority estate of twenty dwellings was built off the Moaney road at Newtown. The Mount Murray estate was finished in the late 1990s. It includes an hotel, a country club and seventy-six dwellings. Ballanoa Meadow, an estate of forty-three dwellings off Moaney road, was finished in 2004.
In April 2010, a toddler’s playground was opened next to Ballanoa Meadow. This was the culmination of the Commissioners’ long-standing wish. They wanted to establish a safe play area for the very young. It had to be off the main road.
We hope that the Millennium Stone, Santon, will stand for centuries. It will remind future generations of our commitment to community, heritage, and the enduring spirit of Santon. Take a moment to appreciate the artistry and symbolism. Consider the stories etched into this stone. Let it inspire you.