Several years ago the IMOS Foundation came up with the idea of a flag for Romney Marsh. A competition was promptly launched with back up from media partner, The Folkestone Herald. Sixty entries from adults, children, artists, locals and others were submitted for consideration. A panel of distinguished judges, including the Mayor and several professional artists, chose the six they thought the best.
These finalists had their designs photographed and displayed at the Country Fayre in New Romney in July 2013. The public were invited to choose the flag that they liked best. There was an overwhelming favourite by Dymchurch artist Dee Taylor. Promptly rechristened the Romney Marsh Standard in tribute to its rich colours and complex image, it was a popular winner.
Fundraising became the order of the day: David Baker, the Kent Country Councillor, backed the plan with a generous Members Grant. Thanks to this and to the Roger de Haan Charitable Trust as well as IMOS Foundation founder, Briony Kapoor, more than 300 flags, in full colour, measuring 5 feet by 3 feet, were manufactured towards the end of 2014.
The flag design, designated the Romney Marsh Standard for its distinction of rich colour and complexity, has been on display as a painting for some time at Sainsbury’s in New Romney, high on the wall overlooking the carpark. Many other works by the IMOS Foundation artists are exhibited nearby and throughout the town.
Today over a thousand flags have been sold and distributed. They fly proudly all over the Marsh. The flag flies in auspicious spots all over the world including California, Canada, New York, South Korea, Japan, Australia, in Europe and at various places in the UK whenever devotees of the Romney Marsh live.
One flag is on a yacht presently in the Caribbean and is reported to create admiring interest wherever the vessel sails. Another reputedly shielded the modesty of a naked lady while a third made up a mini dress for a bold and slender local Councillor.
The flags are 5ft x 3ft and may be obtained at the following outlets for £10 each:
Keyrings, mugs, tea towels, fridge magnets, postcards and stickers are also available embellished with the flag design
