Mike Prior
Well said Mo. thanks.
Mo Warren
A great flag & symbol of a fantastic effort by the Wiltshire Great Bustard Group to reintroduce this iconic bird back to Wiltshire where it became extinct through man's exploitation. In this age of so called progress, so much of our wildlife is disappearing as humans continue to act selfishly and thoughtlessly. We need a reminder that birds existed before man on earth and have to struggle for an existence against the odds.I come from Salisbury and I am proud that my county has done so much to ensure that the Bustard has been an example of what man can do to redress his past greed & neglect of our wildlife heritage. The Bustard flag proudly represents a contemporary success story. Thank you for a sensible choice.
Mike Prior
Answering Dave of Devizes; some are flying in Devizes have a look a the Bear Hotel or we can send you one on approval if you like it, but if not send it back, see our website.www.wiltshireflag.co.uk.Also available in some for the tourist information centres.To Rob Walden-Woods, sorry you do not like the background colours. seven county flags have green as a background colour and 7 have white.
Rob Walden-Woods
Dreadful background colours.
Dave of Devizes
OK, so we have got a flag. Where can we buy it? (Not mail order - we want to see it before buying!)
Mike Prior
Sorry Joe that a) you are not from Wiltshire and b) you do not recognise the symbol of the county that has been used on the Coat of Arms since 1937. Kent has a white horse on their flag, but no one apart from us has a Great Bustard.
Mike Prior
P.S.Car stickers on their way to you now, hope the image grows on you after all the birds are all within 5 miles of where you live.
Joe
Not keen on the bustard design. Poor effort and unclear a) what it is and b) whether it's a true Wiltshire emblem. I'm not even from Wiltshire but I recognise the White Horse as being a genuine symbol of the county. People should start making the white horse flag.
Pete Sheppard
Not too keen on the flag but I guess it's the sort of thing that will grow on you !! Are there any plans to produce it as a car sticker ?
Mike Prior
Chloe, the bird is the Great Bustard, latin name Otis Tarda, this is the bird that was resident in Wiltshire until 1832 but is now breeding successfully with the assistance of the Great Bustard Group.(check out their website and learn more)
Andrew O'Dillon
It looks very Irish, & thats grand ti me =)Erin Gu Brath!!
chloe
wierd what is the bird on he flag called people!? .x
Mike Prior
Answers to the two previous comments:Aidan Wynne.- Wiltshire County Council would not let the generl public fly their arms, hence the production of the new flag.Geoffrey Churchill. - We believe The Great Bustard Group are in discussions continually with DEFRA.
Geoffrey Churchill
As a naturalist and teacher could you inform defra of the county birds historical links with wiltshire. They seem to think it is not a native, let alone wiltshire species.
Aidan Wynne
The Wiltshire County Council Armorial Banner should be addopted as the county flag. It is well known and accepted by the public and is a more dignified and loved representation of our county.
Mike Prior
We will all be at the West Wilts show in Trowbridge Park this week July 23,24 and 25th, come and see the flags.
Mike Prior
Many thanks Mr O'Neill.We are sorry you do not like the flag Derek, the White Horse design was abandoned some years ago, this is why we proceeded with the true symbol of the County, The Great Bustard, which as the bird has now hatched chicks in it's home county proved to be the correct decision.
terry O'Neill
I think it is wonderful
Derek, Pewsey
Have just come across this &,having been born & bred & living in Wiltshire for the last 80 years, sorry, Mr Prior, but I just dont like it. There is a far more appropriate White Horse flag out there (see www.geocities.com/wiltshireflag)which I would be proud to have.
Mike Prior
Sorry you do not like the flag Adam, if you count the entries on this blog you will find the majority of the entries are positive.A large number of people do like the flag which is highlighted by the quantity of flags sold.
Adam, Devizes
I agree with the majority of people here, the bird flag is rubbish. In reply to C Sidnell, Chris Fear's campaign for the white horse flag is still going. His website's been updated this month anyway. It's a shame he doesn't make them, because I'd buy one.
Mike Prior
Thanks Charlie, I could not have put it better myself, with the hatching of the first three Great Bustard chicks in Wiltshire for 177 years the imagery of the bird on the flag is now even more relevant.
Charlie Moores
It's great - what on earth are people complaining about? The negativity that exists in this country (and county) whenever anyone tries to do something 'different' is extraordinary. No wonder we're innovative people are leaving in droves.
Mike Prior
Sounds that you are not a fan of the Great Bustard, the native bird of Wiltshire. This is the WGB not the KFC.
Gareth Wiltshire
i think this is a disgrace to the wiltshire name having a over sized chicken on the a flag that some one with out the wiltshire name came up with.It looks like the flag for a fast food joint.
Mike PRIOR
Our choice of the Great Bustard is even more fortuitous, as Kent has decided to erect this giant 50 metre high White Horse in the county. The White Horse symbol has been associated with Kent for centuries and appears on their county flag and on other official flags and emblems, at least they do not plan to build a 50 metre high Great Bustard, now that would be confusing!
Mike Prior
David, going back to my original point, why haven't the children of Wiltshire been given the opportunity? Perhaps no one had the time, inclination or money to do this. We organised 100 plus pupils of Churchfields the Village School to illustrate our perpetual diary called "Flag Days" This little book contains drawings made by the children of their interpretation of the flag following the 5 desirable qualities for a good flag design as published by The Flag Institute. But the real bonus in this book is the 50+ photographs taken by myself and Helen Pocock (the flag designer), over a period of 10 months to show the beauty of this "provincial county". Yes. perhaps we are marketing Wiltshire by including these photographs, but rather than "photoshop" a flag and pole into each of these photographs, we published them untouched. If you can forward me your address, if you want to, we will send a complimentary copy of the book, and hopefully that will show that our intentions are to publicise this county as a place to visit, live and work and not purely for financial gain. Your ten contributions on this site have kept the debate open, thankyou. MP
David Fellows
Mike, Surely the 2000 full colour postcards "GIVEN AWAY" were to raise the profile and therefore the sales of the "FLAG" And wasn't anything to do with raising the profile of Wiltshire. Its called "SALES AND MARKETING"
David Fellows
As the White Horse emblem has been mentioned so many times, perhaps adopting the White Horse at Marlborough, just opposite the Silbury Hill, would of been a good option. comments anyone?
David Fellows
I am sorry that you seem so defensive over my comments. My aim was to discuss the merits of the flag and not to criticize the intention of the individual. I accept that perhaps the intention was to promote Wiltshire, but my only concern was why was there not more consultation?From a PR viewpoint is would of been fantastic if the children of Wiltshire has been given the opportunity to add their design ideas. I think that Alex could have a valid point, the Buzzard is certainly more commonly sighted in Wiltshire than the Great Bustard ever could be.
Mike Prior
Our accounts are available for all to see at Companies House. If an exercise had been started by Wiltshire County Council to organise a competition for a County flag, the number of people who would have complained that council money was being wasted on this would have filled pages of websites. As we have explained in earlier postings on this site, not one penny of council money was spent in the production of this flag, unless you count the cup of tea and piece of cake given to me and my family by the Chair of the Council on flag raising day. If we are keeping count on the totting up procedure please add to the "Fors" 225 flags sold, plus numerous car stickers not to mention in excess of 2000 full colour postcards GIVEN AWAY, to interested parties, raising the profile of the County.If we were not interested in the notion of representing and advertising the beauty of the county of Wiltshire, we would not have gone down this road in the first place, we would have kept our money for spending on other things.To reply to one of your earlier postings, true Wiltshire is a provincial county (a region or county outside the capital) but we do not consider the added interpretation of "being unsophisticated or narrow-minded" both these explanations coming from the Oxford English Dictionary. With the new Wiltshire Council being formed this April, perhaps you may want to organise a campaign for an alternative to the "bloody awful, rubbish flag" that you do not like, but be warned, the development and production costs are high, and if taxpayers money was used for the project we would be first on the list of complainants. We try to answer all these queries as best we can, following the new county slogan of "Wiltshire, where everybody matters" WCC's idea not ours this time.
David Fellows
A quick totting up on here is:-For 23Against 33
David Fellows
Yes, we could of used lots of excellent references instead of the "Turkey"The White Horse, Moonrakers, Stonehenge,Avebury stones, The Chalk Badges,Salisbury Cathedral, The beautiful rolling hills,
David Fellows
To answer why did we not come up with an alternative design "Because we weren't given the chance" I am not moaning for the sake of it,I genuinely find the design of this flag poorly executed. Its a shame that the fovant badges were not put forward. Most people know that Wiltshire has a strong connection to the army
David Fellows
I note also on other sites, it makes reference that this flag is subject to copywrite, so if this is true then it represents the financial interests of mr Prior,and is not about this notion of representing Wiltshire.
Mike Prior
Happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year to everyone who has contributed on this site for the last 18 months, your contributions are welcome, as long as thy are complimentary.
Mike Prior
Fovant has two badges with the word "Wiltshire" on the badge. The Wiltshire Regiment, and the Royal Wiltshire Yeomanry, it would be difficult to choose which one would be the better candidate for a flag, bearing in mind that neither of them fit the criteria for a good flag design.
Mike Prior
Strange reaction from someone who does not seem to like the county that he lives in! Sorry David, but judging by the number of flags we have sold to satisfied Wiltshire people, the image is proving very popular.We can add your Emblems to the list of alternate images for the flag which have been suggested by others, but how many people are aware of the Fovant badges?
David Fellows
THis flag looks bloody awful, why oh whydoes some bureaucrat decide what should represent Wiltshire. I am not proud of this flag, its rubbish. and yes I do live in Mike Priors Provincial Wiltshire
David Fellows
Wrong again Mr Prior.I do live in Wiltshire, that is why I express this opinion. I guess you fall under the remit of "Provincial"I agree with Alex, perhaps something more local like the Fovant badges would of been more appropraite.
Mike Prior
This is the type of reaction we normally get from disgruntled people who live outside the county. Why do you assume that these projects are funded by taxpayers money, contact David Waters at The Great Bustard Group and he will tell you where their funding comes from. The flag project did not cost the taxpayers of Wiltshire a penny and was privately funded.
David Fellows
I really don't understand why we should celebrate a great bustard that technically was extinct until some official decided that it should be reintroduced from Russia.This obviously was done using the taxpayers money!!! I find the design very amateurish and think the Bustard emblem suits Wiltshire perfectly, Provincial, small minded and slightlyobsolete
Mike Prior
It was never our aim to criticise your comments or did we have any influence in the County Councils decision to introduce the Great Bustard onto the original Council crest of 1937, we were merely following the Wiltshire tradition of highlighting the importance of this bird to the county. Proposals have been made for a County flag with a White horse and perhaps one day in the future this may happen. Anyway thanks for your positive comments in the earlier piece on this site.Jez says he flies the old flag, whatever that is, and if it is not recognised by HM Government as a County flag he is breaking planning laws, See the 1992 (Amended2007) regulations.PS. I am a non-smoker.
Alex Kalidoski
Actual I've lived in Wiltshire for all of my life and this is the first time someone has decided an extinct bird is my birth rite! whats this about an old flag? did it have a dodo on? Mike to learn more about white horse please smoke crack, this may also help with your understanding of art, my ideas of my home are not summed up by a dead bird whether it be dodo, bustard or buzzard, it has never influenced my life, unlike ancient stones, white horses and the moon. I didn't state others opinions were wrong and I would like mine to be respected.
Mike Prior
Flag now proving very popular, and over 300 flying in the county.
Jez
Anyone wh doesn't like it, go live in another county. green and white = wilts. bustard = wilts. circle = stonehenge = wilts. wessex dragaon is a good idea and I fly both old and new but, white horses? they're found in so many other counties. Our "one football league team" is in swindon borough, and since i see a line drawn between swindon n and wiltshire on modern maps I guess they dont want to be part of wilts anymore. and what has football got anything to do with it anyway?this flag is flying in trowbridge. its the equivalent of getting the queen to fly a different flag at buckingham palace. nice try.i fly the old one and the new one. theyre both good, but the white horse flag is noy up to it.
Mike Prior
The latest release of Great Bustards took place a couple of weeks ago, why not look on the Great Bustard website for more information. Also watch Autumnwatch and Countryfile on BBC this week (Week beginning October 6th) to learn more about these iconic birds Remember the Birds were in Wiltshire before the white horses!!
MIke Prior
It's a Great Bustard Alex, not th. much smaller buzzard. The Great Bustard has been the county symbol for many years
mike prior
It is a Great Bustard (Otis Tarda) Alex, Buzzards are smaller approximately a quarter of the size of a Great Bustard. This magnificent bird has been the symbol of Wiltshire for many years. I guess you are a newcomer to the county. Sorry Alex cannot change it as it is registered as the official Wiltshire County flag by the Flag Institute.
Neil Pocock
Alex, the bird is a Great BUSTARD, not buzzard, and is featured on the badges of lots of well established Wiltshire organisations and societies, including such diverse ones as the Wiltshire girl guides, Wiltshire table tennis association and Wiltshire County Council
Alex Kalidoski
If Wiltshire is a community, and we work on majority rule, this must be a white horse. Yes we're proud to be moonrakers and have a flag. How about u sell 2 flags, 1 with your buzzard and one with a wiltshire white horse and see which one sells the most?
Alex Kalidoski
Great background, the rolling hills are a wonderful effect, and the green and white truly represent the grass and beautiful limestone landscapes of wiltshire. BUZZARD!! horse, stone, caves, MOON,farms the list of icons to represent the history and population of wiltshire is not encapulted within a buzzard, change it now mike. Thank you for your hard work.
mike prior
Thanks Stan, ring me Mike Prior 01225 777767 or e-mail info@wiltshireflag.couk
Stan.Bagwell
This all rather nice information. But how do I obtain one to fly on my flagpole,and are they exspensive?
MIke PRIOR
A white horse appears on another county flag, and even though we have a few white horses in Wiltshire there are also some in the surrounding counties. No problem not being a fan, we cannot all agree on everything in life.
James Scott of Yatton Keynell
No white horse, why???????????It looks like a turkey or an old Courage Best sign. Sorry not a fan.
Mike Prior
Correct Colin, it is unofficial.
Colin Pitt
There is already an unofficial flag for Wiltshire of green and white horizontal stripes with a green canton bearing the red wessex dragon on it. Why change it, we dont need a new flag, just raise awareness of the old more interesting unofficial flag and make it the official one.
Mike Prior
Please contact us Peter and we can supply. (our web address is in this list of comments) MP
Peter Neal
Lovely... Where can I buy one?
Mike Prior
Well, after 7 months of this site we have the following score:For the flag = 24Against the flag = 20Not sure = 5To date we have sold 185 flags county and worldwide, which we consider is a good result for the first few months. MP.
Mike Prior
Reply to 'Mainer', according to the Oxford English Dictionary, the correct spelling is 'yuck', sorry!MP
Mainer
Its yuk.
Mike Prior
In reply to Darren, the Wiltshire County Council badge of 1967, depicts the red dragon in the corner, but as far as I know it is not available as a car sticker. We included the Great Bustard as a reminder to the folk of Wiltshire that in the 1830's they were partly responsible for its's disappearance, and a few generations on the current descendants of these good people are re-introducing the bird.
Darren
I always thought the flag of Wiltshire was Green and White stripes with the Red Wessex Dragon in the top left corner. This version is too modern looking and doesn't capture the history and heritage of us 'zimple volk'. Personally, I think the Coat of Arms is absolutely cracking and wish it was available as a car sticker.
John Saunders
What a great flag. I must get one and introduce Wiltshire to the South Africans.I live in Hermanus on the Western Cape in South Africa.
Mike Prior
In response to C Sidnells note, perhaps Chris Fear can tell us what happened to his proposal.
C Sidnell
This design is far too complicated and resembles a corporate logo. What happened to the excellent White Horse design proposed by Chris Fear of Corsham some time ago?
Mike Prior
All the information is on our website www.wiltshireflag.co.uk and click on the gallery page to see the flag flying triumphantly all over the world (and Wiltshire). Gary you are lucky, they are in teh Warminster Information Centre.
Glen
I have been looking for a for a Wiltshire flag/emblem for a while,like the design, shame about the critics.
gary from warminster
brilliant flag - where can we get one ??
Mike Prior
In reply to David Holloway's question, we believe he is referring to the badge of Wiltshire County Council which was formed in 1967 and can be seen on some road signage throughout the county, we do not know if it is available as a made flag, and if you could obtain one would Wiltshire County Council let you fly it? MP
David Holloway
What is wrong with the green and white banded flag with the red dragon rampant at the hoist?Or is that not a true Wiltshire flag?
Bob
Not sure just yet as this is the first time that I've seen it. I'm a born and bred Cornishman who moved to this beautiful county 13 months ago. I was looking for the "Wiltshire Flag" to compliment the Flag of St Piran which already adorns my car and motorcycle. Maybe it will grow on me. Anyway the next time I'm in Trowbridge or anywhere else that sells the flag I'll definitely get a couple for my vehicles.
Mike Prior
All those interested in obtaining flags, contact me on 07860 265555, flags now displayed on at least two stately homes in the county, flags being sent this week to Lancashire, USA and the Falkland Islands. (Even the Great Bustards cannot fly that far!) MP
jenny hicks
Great, I love it and Dad has always wanted a Wiltshire flag for when he's caravaning. Where can I get one?
Dave
Choosing the Great Bustard was the right idea but I don't like the design. It's far too complex.
Serena
Snazzy, fun and noticeable. Great. Well done for the hard work, and I look forward to seeing it as much as the Cornish flag in their county.
MIKE PRIOR
The Flag Institute, the official arbiters of vexillology in this country and possibly the world, list the desirable qualities for a good flag design as follows; 1.Keep it simple. The flag should be capable of being drawn by a child. 2.Use meaningful symbolism. The flags colours and emblems should relate directly to whatever it is to represent. 3. Use 2-3 basic colours. More colours confuse. The 2-3 colours should be in the basic colour set of white, black, red, blue, yellow and green. 4. No lettering or seals on a flag, as they appear in mirror-image on the reverse, or the flag has to be made double sided. 5. Be distinctive. The flag should avoid duplicating other flags, but may show local territorial or cultural relationships.We hope that this explains all the facets of the flag. MP
Mike Prior
Flags from us, at info@wiltshireflag.co.uk based in the county town, Trowbridge, if you want to collect. MP
Sue Fitton
where can we purchase a Wiltshire county flag?
M J Hilton
could have been better and more coulorfull but a good effort
Mike Prior
Since 05/06/07, when the flag was raised at County Hall, the respose has been very good with sales of flags increasing. They can now be seen all over the county.MP
Phil
Its not an image i would be proud to associate where i come from with, its gotta be the coat of arms or the horse for me.
Marie Hattersley
I think the new flag is excellent. The colours and shapes all work well together. Well done Mike!
Mike Prior
Just to repeat what has already been said, the council and ratepayers of Wiltshire were not asked to contribute one penny to this project, and the handmade flag that is now flying in Trowbridge, was given to WCC free of charge.
Peter Bailey
I like the flag, it's boldly symbolic, the avoidance of straight lines and the bustard make it distinctive and hopefully in time easily recognisable.If people are not happy with flags I'd suggest a visit to Ireland where they are celebrated.
Rosie Kinsey
How original! Why does everyone think the White Horse should always be the symbol in this area. The Bustard is much more significant and the fact that we can see this bird again after becoming extinct is inspiring. Well done Mike!
Julian Forbes
Poor design, not only should it use a white horse but the colouring of a gold 'bustard' against the green stripes just doesn't work. I just hope our thoughtful and caring council haven't spent any noticeable amount of our money on it!!! BUT... at the end of the day - it's only a flag, so let's not worry too much about it!
Krispian
I think the flag is very unique to Wiltshire. I would loved it to be a white horse, but the Bustard is unique to Wiltshire in the UK. The white and green reminds me of grass and chalk rolling hills. The White horse is not unique to Wiltshire, but the bustard is. The White horse is a symbol of Wessex not Wiltshire.
Brian Tapper
Well it must be ODD design week. I would like to think that whoever chose this one meant well. Anyway I give 3 out of 10, try better next time.
David Waters
Having read some of the negative comments some explanation may be helpful about the Great Bustard. This magnificant bird is represented on the county coat of arms, is the badge of the County Army Cadets, the Girl Guides, County Council, features on the Police Banner, rugby clubs, flying clubs and many other badges and themes throughout the county. It is truely the county symbol. The Great Bustard was exinct in the UK, but is being succesfuly returned to Wiltshire. The reintroduction project is in the third of ten planned years of releases and is very much on target.
David Waters
Just Brilliant. Wiltshire needs a flag and the Great Bustard is the natural centre piece. I am biased as I run the Great Bustard Group, but it does look just super, very distinct and with a traditional theme. Well done to Mike and his team and shame on all the moaners who could probbably sum up all their efforts on doing something constructive for their county on something much smaller than a flag!
Mike's better half
Mike thought VERY carefully about the Flag. Every detail has a special significance to Wiltshire. He has funded this project himself - entirely - no ratepayer has anything to fear! His aim was to unify the people of Wiltshire, to promote the County and to give us all something to be proud of. No-one else has had the inclination or imagination to do anything similar. Why did not the people who are so severely criticising his efforts come up with something positive to promote our County? Because it would have been too much like hard work, that's why! They are quick to criticise, but when it actually comes down to putting in the hard work and funding it yourself, they soon find excuses to bow out. This was meant to be POSITIVE - and it has really shown just how much NEGATIVITY exists in our lovely County. "You can't please all the people all the time" is what we are told - so get over it, you lot! There are far worse things to moan about - channel your efforts into something worthwhile for a change!
Mike Prior
Thankyou for the feedback again, for those who do not know anything about the big bird, have a look at the Great Bustard website to educate yourselves about the significance of this bird as a symbol of Wiltshire. Wiltshire County Council have had the bird and the barry of eight green stripes on the county crest since 1937 and on the county badge since 1967, let us hope that Celtic and Yeovil do not want to copy our flag by introducing Otis Tarda (The Great Bustard.) MP
Graham
If people of Wiltshire cannot recognise the vague links to the county without explanation, what hope is there for the rest of the population.There are many more suitable images that represent the county in my opinion.
Mike
It's easy to criticise,......but it does little for me. I have to agree with an earlier comment - it's a white horse on a dark green background as far as I am concerned. Always has been and always will be! We have one football league team in this county so why fly a flag that resembles a rival from a neighbouring county?
David
Why do we need a county flag in the first place and I sincerely hope that public money (council Tax) wasn't spent on it. If a county flag is essential either Stonehenge or a White Horse is the only symbol associated with Wiltshire to people who live outside the county.
Tim
it's eye-catching (compared with, say, Cornwall's 'white cross on black background'), and reminds me of the green, rolling Wiltshire hills. Putting a coat of arms on a flag would've made the design overly-complicated. If the Bustard was a Wiltshire bird, it's a great idea. Otherwise what would people have suggested - a pork pie?! Well done Mike and team for coming up with a great idea, and persevering until it finally gets to adorn County Hall.
Philip Cleverly
I was always brought up to believe that the emblem of wiltshire was a white horse on a dark green background.This emblem has always been the emblem of the county cricket association and outside the county we are only famous for our white horse and we are not known as the bustard (hope i've spelt that correctly) county.Who was consulted on this matter as green and white stripes are a nonsense?
Jemma
It's a shame that so many of these comments are critical - but then I suppose it's easy to criticise others. I'd like to see what all you misery-guts would have produced, had you been bothered... There's obviously been a lot of thought put into the flag and the choice of the Great Bustard as the centrepiece is inspired - we don't want another boring flag with a crest on it. And green as a colour seems just the ticket for Wiltshire. Well done Mike and well done Helen for the design!!
Colin Wilson.
It looks good, but what's the link with Wilts, & the inspiration for it?
Malcolm Farrow. President of the Flag Institute
Well done Mike, and well done Wiltshire. You have a fine flag and I hope it will be flown more and more widely throughout the county
Claire
I think it's great! It's about time we had something to unify the county especially if they are going to get rid of the district councils to create one unitary authority. And the design seems simple but distinctive - you certainly wouldn't get it mixed up with the devon flag or the cornwall flag! Well done, it's good to have some news about something positive rather than the typical negative. And all those which have given negative comments, well you must have very boring lives if you feel this is something to complain about!
Neil Pocock
Excellent design!! At least it's not just a cross on a plain background or a white horse on a dark flag. Someone has thought about it and used their imagination. I look forward to seeing it all over Wiltshire soon, it will brighten my day if I should meet any of the more miserable critics from this forum!!
Gill H, Calne
Good design - Cetainly sums up many persons opinion of the County Council. A great big should be extinct turkey!
Graeme
Terrible!!!!!! What is wrong with putting the wiltshire crest of arms on a flag, why make this wishy washy I say nothing piece of cloth the county flag?
Mike Prior (The Originator of the Flag)
Glad some of you like it, the project has been underway for 12 months and the design has been submitted to many people in all walks of life throughout the county, and if we had not received universal approval, we would have not proceeded to this stage. It has fulfilled all the parameters of good flag design as detailed by the Flag Institute of Great Britain, who have supported the project from the onset. Green is an heraldic colour signifying "Hope" and additionally, seemed fitting for the rolling Wiltshire Downland. Have a look at the other newly created county flags, Lincolnshire, Derbyshire, Devon and soon Hampshire.Thanks for all the feedback. MP
Ali
Very disappointing and not something that I would be particularly proud of.Could the BBC please clarify also that "the Great Bustard used to breed more widely and was extinct in the British Isles between 1832 and an artificial reintroduction to Salisbury Plain in 2004" (source: Wikipedia) rather than just stating "previously extinct" which indicates that it was gone forever and has caused some confusion in several people I've spoken to recently!
Andrew T
I think it's a great idea and I think people who want to show they come from this great county can show it by buying a car sticker. Some comment seem rather too negative. The flag is a representation not a photo of Wiltshire - if a horse had been used which shape would it be since wiltshire's horses are all different?
Michael Mead
Surely a symbol of the henges or a chalk horse would have summed up the county better than a "Yeovil Town or Glasgow Celtic FC" club flag look-a-like flag!!
Ian C
Rather dissapointing, lack lustre, unimaginative, etc. Why did we not have a few designs that were then put in the melting pot for us the people of Wiltshire to choose, rather than one persons obtuse represenation of this wonderful county.Is Mr Prior a flag expert or a flagging expert?4/10 must do better!
Lisa
The Flag could have had a different colour why Green?? Is there any link to wiltshire apart from the bird we are known for? The white horse, great countryside just to name a couple, it would have been better if the bustard was in the right colours. Are we all going mad as its as bad as the olympic flag.
Syd Hylan
The Great Bustard should have been the same as the Wiltshire Guide Associationhat badge.Then it would have been OK.
Debbie
I understand the explanation and think that Mike has some great ideas. I think that the symbolism would not easily be understood by people who do not have the explanation to refer to, but then, that is the case with most flags that I know of!It would be interesting to compare it to other county flags.
Linda
A chalk horse would have summed up Wiltshire better!
Nick
Well its not great but then again its a million times better than the new Olympic logo. I also imagine that this flag would go down well in Yeovil.
Daniel Cable
It's good that we have a regional flag, I think some refrence to wilthire's farming and woollen industries would of been good though. I like the idea of the six stones and glad the Great Bustard has made an apperance.
Alex Fogwill
So - is Wiltshire to be summed up by a breeding programme for a previously extinct bird? Surely there is a bit more substance to our county!
John
I thought it was the flag of Celtic Football Club!
Boris Pasternak
Banana Republic!!!
andy morgan
it looks like a skinny chicken and more likely to represent a third world nation than a cultural ,historical county.
joan rowley
It's great
Keith
Lovely. WHere can one get one for their home?
jeremy
The great bustard does not strike me as very Wiltshire....Tenuous at best in my book, and could work for a Salisbury flag I suppose! I understand the "marketing team" explanation of the colours, circle etc and can buy it, but why not a more iconic Wiltshire image that links the past with the present - like one of the white horses....? Seems immediately recognisable. I think they should have launched a schools / businesses competition to come up with a design.
Ged Doyle
It's not very stylish.It's somthing not to be proud of.
Grant Williamson
I just hope that not too much was spent on drawing the flag as it is a waste of time and so lacking in inspiration. I further more trust that monies were not supplied via council taxes to fund this disaster. I wonder how many other people would agree with in thinking a kinder garden project could have done better. Sorry but does not get my approval.
