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A Hudson Stonework employee at work.

HISTORIC PLAGUE CROSS RESTORED

Essential conservation work to the historic Plague Cross in the churchyard of St Mary’s Church, ROSS-ON-WYE has been completed.
The important heritage project was made possible through grant funding of £2,305 from Historic England, with an additional £400 contributed by Ross-on-Wye Town Council.
The works were undertaken by Hudson Stonework, a specialist heritage contractor and repairs included the restoration and re-fixing of the cross finial, along with removal of invasive vegetation and repointing of joints, to protect the structure from further weathering and biological damage.
Herefordshire Archaeology provided an archaeological recording of the medieval standing cross, offering a detailed analysis of its form, materials, and historical context

Clerks & Councils Direct, January 2026

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Guests gather at the unveiling of the latest Notable Names plaques.

TWO MORE NAMES ADDED TO WALL OF HONOUR

New plaques have been unveiled on the Notable Names of FARNHAM wall to commemorate the life and achievements of internationally renowned dendrologist Alan Fyson Mitchell and Lt Col John Luard.
Mr Mitchell founded the Tree Register of the British Isles in 1988 and was one of Britain’s most remarkable naturalists.
The extraordinary contributions of Lt Col Luard as a distinguished soldier, author, artist, and founding chairman of the University for the Creative Arts were marked on the 150th anniversary of his death in 1885.

Clerks & Councils Direct, January 2026

 

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Poppies at Folkestone.

TRIBUTES FOR VJ DAY 80

VJ DAY marks the anniversary of 15 August, 1945, when Japan announced its surrender to the Allied forces and councils across the country paid tribute at the 80th anniversary of the end of hostilities.
More than 90,000 British troops were casualties in the war against Japan – 30,000 died and 37,500 were held as prisoners of war and tribute was paid to their sacrifice.

In FOLKESTONE, the 80th Anniversary was marked with a service in the Garden of Remembrance, led by the Mayor’s chaplain Rev Chris Johnson.
Chris Shaw of the Shorncliffe Trust read a poem written by Stanley Robinson, a 98-year-old Veteran from the Kent town. The trust took three symbolic lanterns: ‘Tommy’ (Army), ‘Jack’ (Royal Navy) and ‘Roger’ (Royal Air Force) to the service. The lanterns had been at D-Day 80 in Normandy, the First World War Centenary and also flown lit to Canada in 2019 to mark the repatriation of the ‘spirit’ of the 50,000 soldiers whose bodies lay in Europe. They have supported groups at the Menin Gate and events around the world.

Clerks & Councils Direct, November 2025

WAR MEMORIAL REDEDICATED

The MILLOM War Memorial’s centennial year brought renewed attention to its historic and emotional significance, prompting a rededication ceremony. The Deputy Lieutenant of Cumbria Rob Cairns joined the High Sheriff of Cumbria Dr Jolliffe and the Bishop of Carlisle Rt Rev Rob Saner-Haigh among other dignitaries. Guest of honour was Arthur Ferguson, the oldest veteran in Millom, who recently celebrated his own 100 years. The council highlighted the significance of the memorial in a presentation to schools.

Clerks & Councils Direct, September 2025

COMMUNITIES ARE UNITED IN SPIRIT

Town and communities across Britain came together to celebrate the 80TH ANNIVERSARY OF VE DAY with a variety of events taking place, crowned by mass beacon lightings.

At Thatcham, a Best of British Market proved a resounding success with plenty of good cheer, despite the bracing wind and cold weather. The Broadway was transformed into a nostalgic nod to 1945, echoing the spirit of the original street parties that marked the end of the Second World War in Berkshire and elsewhere.
In Weymouth, that day began with a service by the Royal British Legion and ended with the VE Day 80 beacon being lit on the beach. The Dorset town’s Mayor Jon Orrell said: “VE Day wasn’t just a celebration of victory; it was also a moment when the entire nation came together in unity, and it’s that spirit of community and resilience that we honour.”
In Cornwall, Bodmin Town Council worked with local organisations to provide a large-scale event with a proclamation, service, evening celebration and brazier lighting, accompanied with music from Bodmin Town Band, fish and chips and refreshments. A further day was devoted to cultural and historic education, with historic vehicles and entertainers creating a street party atmosphere.
Lydney Town Council in Gloucestershire proudly marked the anniversary with a moving and memorable beacon lighting ceremony on The Mesne. The ceremony was led by Mayor Tasha Saunders, who addressed attendees with words of remembrance and gratitude.
A poignant ceremony took place in Farnham, where town crier Michael Stephens read the VE Day proclamation and the Surrey town’s Mayor Brodie Mauluka raised a commemorative flag with assistance from local children. The commemorative event, attended by more than a thousand people, also included a broadcast of Winston Churchill’s victory speech and the firing of red, white and blue confetti cannons.
At Kirton in Lindsey a number of community events were arranged for the Lincolnshire town, which has significant RAF and military heritage. At the weekly Community Café, residents were encouraged to share memories, enjoy music from the 1940s and take part in a quiz. The Royal British Legion held a ceremony at the War Memorial and a community picnic was held on the town green ahead of the beacon lighting.
At Billingham in County Durham, residents gathered at Café in the Park for a nostalgic event featuring 1940s-themed activities, wartime quizzes, and a VE Day menu with authentic prices from the era.
More than 100 New Milton residents joined Mayor Alvin Reid in a community Act of Remembrance in Hampshire. Cllr John Adams played the bagpipes and the traditional tunes of Flower of Scotland followed by Amazing Grace.
Yate Deputy Mayor Aziz Chowdhry raised a special VE80 flag at Poole Court, joined by fellow councillors, representatives of local schools and the family of Len Trewing, a veteran who served in the Second World War. Councillors from the Gloucestershire town laid wreaths at the Lych Gate Memorial and Parnall Grave at St Mary’s Church, remembering those who fought and did not return home and those who were sadly lost when the Parnall factory was bombed.
Residents of Edenbridge came together with a day full of community spirit, remembrance and celebration. Families from the Kent town enjoyed free giveaways, including hats, pencils, balloons, and Second World War glider planes. In Stangrove Park, Edenbridge Town Band performed a medley of wartime songs and sing-along favourites.
Mayor of Hertford Rachel Carter raised a commemorative flag on the roof of Hertford Castle, part of a nationwide raising of flags. The castle gates were later thrown open for a joyful celebration yet poignant commemoration of the meaning behind this significant date.
Several shops along Sandy High Street and Market Square put up beautiful displays, including Union Jack bunting and poppies to commemorate VE Day. The Bedfordshire town joined in national ringing from St Swithun Church bell tower.
More than a thousand members of the Sevenoaks community came together to celebrate VE Day 80 at the Vine Gardens, where a free concert was performed by the Jean Bentley Orchestra. Representatives from charities and volunteer organisations hosted stalls, with a showcase encouraging the theme of public service. Among those enjoying the celebrations was Joy Pennells, who had joined the VE Day celebrations in the Kent town 80 years earlier when she was 18.
Loftus Town Council welcomed four schools, alongside Mayor Michael Hodgson, Captain Stephen Upright RN DL, the Mayor of Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council Neil Bendelow and Middlesbrough South & East Cleveland MP Luke Myers. They enjoyed a drama performance, tea dancing, a street party-style buffet and displays of historic artefacts in the Yorkshire town.
Ramsey Town Council held a free Community Fun Day led by Mayor Val Fendley. Working in partnership with Fenland Light Railway, 160 children were given free train rides, along with bouncy castles, face painting, and community stalls. A Lancaster fl y past saw the vintage aircraft circle three times. A grant from Huntingdonshire District Council ensured the event was free. More than 50 students from across the town participated in a flag raising ceremony and more than 60 senior citizens were treated to a fish and chip lunch with special guest ‘Winston Churchill’.
Canvey Island Town Council collaborated with Castle Point Borough Council for its celebration, which included a service, raising of the 80th Anniversary fl ag and tea and cake inside the Paddock.
In Wiltshire, Haydon Wick Parish Council delivered a series of moving tributes, culminating in a family picnic at Mouldon Hill Country Park that attracted about 400 residents for authentic 1940s experiences with family-friendly entertainment.

Clerks & Councils Direct, July 2025

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Civic dignitaries at the large-scale Bodmin commemoration event.

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Mayor Rachel Carter raised a commemorative flag on the roof of Hertford Castle.

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The giant poppy honours every one of the Allies' fallen First World War service personnel.

CAMPAIGN LAUNCHED TO GIVE POPPY A HOME

A giant poppy-shaped memorial has been created as a unique record of all the First World War’s lost Allied service personnel. It was the idea of Terry Williams, from Henstridge in Somerset, and the Royal British Legion has granted a licence that allows its incorporation into The Poppy of Honour Memorial. The metal-sided structure stands 2.6 metres tall with a clear glass display either side, each fashioned in the outline shape of the remembrance poppy. The cavity holds 1,117,635 red poppies – one for every member of the British and Commonwealth Armed forces lost during the conflict. Each poppy has the handwritten name and rank of the individual it commemorates. The concept for the memorial started in 2014 when Terry spent five weeks in France and Belgium, where he carried the Union Standard at a number of rededication ceremonies for soldiers killed in the First World War. He was moved and quickly became aware that there was no all-inclusive Great War memorial in the UK or Commonwealth. Together with other veterans, family and volunteers, Terry put a plan together and the concept of the memorial was founded. The steelwork was sponsored by AJN Steelstock, glass panels by Cornwall Glass in St Austell and the shot blasting, galvanising and painting by Taunton Fabrication. National Windscreens bonded and sealed the panels and edging strips. In 2023, the War Memorial Trust granted the Poppy of Honour official War Memorial status, subject to its being installed at a fixed location. Plans were drawn up to house it at The Somerset Wood within Maidenbrook Country Park, North Taunton. Fundraising for the £140,000 cost of the construction is now taking place, overseen by WEST MONKTON Parish Council. Events are being organised and donations sought. For details of how to support the appeal, visit the tinyurl. com/PoppyHonour website.

Clerks & Councils Direct, May 2025

 

 

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The Holocaust Memorial Stone in Buckingham’s Bourton Park.

COUNCILS UNITE IN HOMAGE TO VICTIMS

Holocaust Memorial Day was commemorated on January 27 with a series of services across the nation. It was a time to remember the millions of people murdered during the Holocaust, under Nazi persecution and in the genocides which followed in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia and Darfur.
BUCKINGHAM’S Holocaust Memorial Stone in Bourton Park provided a poignant backdrop for the town’s ceremony. The ceremony was led by Mayor Anja Schaefer and featured readings by Ruth Newell and Stan Cohen, a representative from the Milton Keynes Synagogue. Pupils from Bourton Meadow Academy showcased recent work about the Holocaust, following a visit to Bletchley Park, while staff and students from Furze Down Sixth Form contributed a vibrant hand-painted banner, symbolising hope and resilience.

Clerks & Councils Direct, March 2025

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Ringwood’s Centenary Lantern.

SHINING A LIGHT IN MEMORY OF WAR HEROES

The RINGWOOD Centenary Lantern stands as a permanent memorial to honour the brave individuals who lost their lives while serving in the Armed Forces during the two world wars. Since August 2014, the lantern at Ringwood Gateway has been lit on the anniversaries of each fallen service member and on significant national days, serving as a beacon of remembrance and respect. Commissioned by the residents of the Hampshire town and supported by the town council, the current lantern was dedicated in November 2018, marking the centenary of the Armistice. Ringwood Meeting House keeps a record of all those remembered by the lantern.

Clerks & Councils Direct, January 2025

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Family, friends and councillors from Farnham and Italy at the plaque unveiling.

 

ARTIST HONOURED ON WALL

A delegation from Italy joined the Mayor of FARNHAM and the family and friends of illustrator, artist and author Pauline Baynes. The gathering was for the unveiling of a plaque in her honour on the Wall of Notable Names in South Street in the Surrey town. The ceremony honoured her contributions to literature, including her iconic illustrations for the works of JRR Tolkien and CS Lewis. Before unveiling the plaque, the Mayor of Farnham Brodie Mauluka said: “This week is the 75th anniversary of the publication of Farmer Giles of Ham by Tolkien, which Pauline Baynes illustrated. Pauline’s plaque is the 33rd on the Notable Names wall, which is dedicated to those who have achieved great things in Farnham or who have achieved great things elsewhere.” The Mayor invited Alberto Ceccatelli, who is the custodian of many of her works, to join him for the unveiling along with family members of the artist, who died in 2008.

Clerks & Councils Direct, January 2025

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The new memorial in Kirton in Lindsey.
Picture: Maria and Bill Rhoades.

MEMORIAL TO 1944 AIRMEN

A Halifax bomber memorial has been unveiled on Spa Hill, KIRTON IN LINDSEY in memory of six airmen killed in a crash in 1944. A ceremony was led by Tony Bartlett of the RAF Cadets and the Royal British Legion with Kirton in Lindsey Mayor Hazel Fox, Nic Dakin MP, members of the Royal Air Force and Rev David Swannack also part of the event. Special guest was Robin Harvey, the younger brother of radio operator Sgt William Harvey, who died in the crash aged 19. Robin was part of the inspiration for the monument, having visited the town 20 years ago, expecting to find a memorial. The memorial is a second monument project by resident Tony Bartlett, following ‘Grandad’s Plough’ in Traingate. The council secured funding from North Lincolnshire Council for the majority of the work. Public donations completed the funding, along with money from the Mayor’s Civic Allowance towards a buffet reception event at the Diamond Jubilee Town Hall. The Mayor also laid a wreath. The memorial is about 50 yards from where the Handley Page Halifax bomber crashed in May 1944 after engine failure. Six of the seven crew, based at RAF Blyton, lost their lives.

Clerks & Councils Direct, November 2024

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Polish and British flags on show in Wiltshire.

 

SPITFIRE MONUMENT WILL PAY TRIBUTE

A Wiltshire town’s role in producing the aeroplanes that played a major part in defending the nation during the Second World War is being remembered. TROWBRIDGE Town councillors are supporting a plan to create a monument to recognise the town’s link to Spitfires put forward by Dr Simon Selby, Poland’s honorary consul for South West England. The monument, in the form of three reinforced resin replicas of the iconic fighter, will stand at the roundabout in Bradley Road close to the Spitfire Retail Park, where the planes’ bodies and wings were built before being conveyed to Keevil Airfield where the aircraft were assembled. The monument will serve as a lasting tribute to the individuals who contributed to the war effort and provide an educational resource for the future. Polish crews flew with the RAF during the Battle of Britain and afterwards.

Clerks & Councils Direct, November 2024

Pupils from Wood Ley Primary School have been learning about the Witch Trials and contacted STOWMARKET Town Council to help create a memorial to the victims. A memorial plaque is now in the Suffolk town’s Old Cemetery.

His Royal Highness The Duke of Gloucester visited THAME for a ceremony to mark the unveiling of an additional 30 names on the Oxfordshire town’s war memorial.

Clerks & Councils Direct, September 2024

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Councillors and guests at Farnham’s
Notable Names Wall for the addition of Paddy Blagden.
The South Street site contains 32 plaques.

MINES HERO IS HONOURED ON TOWN WALL

A former FARNHAM resident who was described as ‘the most important figure in humanitarian mine clearance since its inception’ has been honoured on the town’s Notable Names Wall. The plaque was unveiled by the Mayor of Farnham Brodie Mauluk and Paddy Blagden’s youngest grandson Patrick Cryan. Brigadier Patrick ‘Paddy’ Blagden CBE had a long and distinguished military career before joining Royal Ordnance, part of British Aerospace. He drafted plans for mine clearing for eight countries and played a major role in almost a dozen others. He was responsible for setting up the UN’s de-mining department and Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian De-mining, where he was its first technical director. He was credited by Lord Deedes as being the inspiration for the campaign led by Diana, Princess of Wales. Paddy was elected as a town councillor for Castle Ward for both Waverley and Farnham Town Council, where he helped lay the groundwork for the Farnham Neighbourhood Plan. He also served as mayor of the Surrey town.

Clerks & Councils Direct, September 2024

 

RARE MEMORIAL IS RESTORED

An unusual war memorial has been restored and the land around it landscaped 104 years after it was unveiled. The ALBRIGHTON War Memorial is a religious sculpture, consisting of a wooden calvary beneath a curved canopy, with the Christ figure carved from olive wood. On the shaft are carved 19 names of the fallen from the Great War and a further eight from the Second World War. It has Grade II listing and a working group was set up in 2022 to look after it, consisting of councillors from Albrighton Parish Council and Donington with Boscobel Parish Council, Albrighton & District Historical Society and The Royal British Legion. Refurbishment and landscaping has been carried out by Lupiae Architecture & Conservation, Fletchers Landscaping and Grosvenor Construction. This project was estimated at a cost of £50,000 to £75,000 and is being funded with grants and public donations, as well as pledges from the parish councils.

Clerks & Councils Direct, July 2024

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 Hartwell’s unusual war memorial
has been re-dedicated

VILLAGE WAR MEMORIAL IS RE-DEDICATED

HARTWELL Parish Council has celebrated the re-dedication of the village war memorial. A ceremony was attended by parish councillors and staff as well as the Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Northamptonshire, John Brownhill BEM. The Rev Mark Donnelly conducted the ceremony. The memorial is one of very few of this type in the UK.


Clerks & Councils Direct, July 2024

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TRIBUTES PAID TO USAAF CRASH VICTIMS

On the morning of Saturday, 13 November, 1943 at about 7.30, 23 B17 Flying Fortresses of 367, 368 and 369 Squadrons of the United States Army Air Force took off from RAF Thurleigh, just north of Bedford. Their mission was to bomb a German submarine manufacturing and repair facility at Bremen. However, flying conditions were poor and there was ice build-up on the planes. Most of the planes were recalled but one crashed near Princes Risborough, killing the pilot after the rest of the crew had bailed out. Another, nicknamed Buttercup, piloted by Floyd Scudder, turned back towards the east coast. It skirted the village of GREAT HASELEY before crash-landing in a field between the village and Latchford. It blew up on impact, killing eight of the crew with the remaining two later succumbing to their injuries in hospital. Great Haseley History Group was informed of this crash about 12 months ago and found relatives of all of the crew in America, then raised funding for a stone, which has been dedicated in St Peter’s churchyard in the Oxfordshire village. Great Haseley Parish Council clerk Andrea Oughton said: “Fourteen family members came over for the occasion, including the elder brother of the pilot, who was 103 years old. “A lunch was put on for the families, followed by a visit to the site courtesy of the farmer. “The parish council gave invaluable support to the project, helping with funding and the administrative element of the project.” A publication, telling the full story, has been distributed, including many copies to families in America.

Clerks & Councils Direct, May 2024

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NEW PLAQUE DEDICATED TO THE FALLEN SINCE 1945

MILLOM Town Council, in conjunction with the town’s Royal British Legion, held a dedication to the service personnel who have died in conflicts since 1945. It was well supported by other RBL dignitaries from other regions, veterans and ex-military servicemen and women, local cadets and others from the Cumbrian town. A plaque was donated by a local stonemason and unveiled by Deputy Lord Lieutenant Norman Thompson.

Clerks & Councils Direct, May 2024

 

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POIGNANT RETURN FOR WAR RELIC

A piece of history has been restored close to the Lincolnshire airfield it left more than 80 years ago. In March 1943, a Lancaster bomber of the 100 Squadron embarked on a mission from Waltham Airfield to France, laying mines. Battling dense fog, the plane crashed just 400 yards from Langar Airfield in Nottinghamshire. HOLTON LE CLAY Parish Council clerk Emma Portas explained: “I found myself deeply immersed in a poignant journey after a kind resident of New Waltham offered a piece of the Lancaster’s bomb bay door for installation at the A16 War Memorial. “It had been lying in a hedge in Nottinghamshire for almost 50 years before it was discovered and authenticated and eventually found its way back to Lincolnshire. “This generous donation sparked my curiosity, leading me to delve into a treasure trove of paperwork that accompanied the relic. “As a self-professed geek, I became engrossed in the lives of the young airmen and their families, driven by a desire to honour their bravery.” She joined forces with Tim Chamberlain, a historian who had extensively documented the tragic event, and he invited her to visit the crash site. “Standing there, surrounded by the echoes of history, I felt a real sense of connection with the brave souls aboard the Lancaster,” said Emma. With the support of the community and Tim’s expertise, a memorial now stands at the crash site, adorned with photographs of the crew and the Lancaster. Emma added: “Tim’s generous donation of his research inspired me to preserve this history for future generations and my hope is that I will be able to create a display in the village hall, allowing residents of Holton le Clay to delve into the sacrifices made by these brave young men.”

Clerks & Councils Direct, March 2024

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TOWN RECALLS PAST CONFLICTS

NEW MILTON Town Council and the Friends of the Indian Soldiers Memorial, formed in 2022, worked closely together to host an annual commemoration at the Indian Memorial Obelisk in Barton on Sea on 10 July. The monument was originally unveiled on 10 July 1917 in honour of Indian troops who convalesced there during WWI. It has two inscriptions, one in English and a translation in Urdu. Invited guests included the Deputy Lieutenant of Hampshire and civic leaders, who joined representatives of local schools and members of the public at the act of remembrance. Journalist and author Shrabani Basu addressed the congregation, acknowledging the contribution of the Indian troops. On 23 August the mayor, Cllr David Hawkins, led a short service of remembrance at the Memorial Clock on Station Road in memory of local residents who lost their lives when enemy bombs fell on the town during WWII. The service included a one-minute silence, a prayer and acknowledgement of the names of those killed.

Clerks & Councils Direct, September 2023

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COUNCIL HONOURS PAST SACRIFICES

FOLKESTONE Town Council in Kent commemorated VJ Day (Victory over Japan Day) on 15 August, marking the surrender of Japan and the end of WWII in 1945. A service conducted by Revd Bob Weldon was attended by civic dignitaries, military personnel, representatives of ex-service associations and their standard bearers and youth organisations. It was followed by the laying of wreaths at the Burma Star Memorial in the Garden of Remembrance in Sandgate Road. The council also held its annual Canada Day Service on 30 June, commemorating 305 Canadian soldiers who died during WWI and are buried in the Shorncliffe Military Cemetery. The mayor, Cllr Belinda Walker, was accompanied by councillors, representatives of the Canadian High Commission, the Canadian Forces Detachment in the UK and the Royal Gurkha Rifles and members of local ex-service associations and local dignitaries. The Band of the Brigade of Gurkhas provided the music. This tradition started over 100 years ago. Deputy town clerk Toni Brenchley, who organised the event, said: “Over 250 children from local schools were positioned by Canadian graves and laid posies; it was an amazing sight.”

Clerks & Councils Direct, September 2023

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SOLEMN REMINDER OF WAR IN UKRAINE

Members of the Ukrainian community living in NEWBURY, Berkshire unveiled a temporary exhibit on the wall of the town hall on 12 July. “Angels of Ukraine” consists of yellow and blue angels handmade by Ukrainian women, each one representing a child killed since Russia invaded the country in February 2022. The memorial was first exhibited in Slovakia in 2022, when it had 241 angels. It has since been displayed in Cyprus, Germany and the UK and the number of angels has sadly increased, now standing at 494. From Newbury, it will travel to Portugal and other countries. The mayor, Cllr Nigel Foot, said, “It was a privilege to be part of this event, but incredibly sad. We must remember all those who have suffered so much.

Clerks & Councils Direct, September 2023

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MONUMENT AND GARDEN UNVEILED

WORKINGTON Town Council, Cumbria, and R.A.F Engineering unveiled the COVID-19 monument and garden, known as ‘The Nightingale Garden’, on 23 March in Vulcan Park, Workington. The garden has been created for the community of Workington to remember those who died during the COVID-19 pandemic; to also remember those who are still suffering today and to everyone who made sacrifices to help those in need. The monument was donated to the people of Workington by R.A.F Engineering. Owner of R.A.F Engineering, Rafal Gibki, commented: “We are delighted to be able to unveil our monument as part of the Nightingale Garden and provide a place for the community to reflect on their experience of the pandemic. We hope that the monument will bring comfort to those who need it; knowing that there is now a permanent memorial for all who suffered and lost their lives.

Clerks & Councils Direct, May 2023

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SERVICES HONOUR VICTIMS OF GENOCIDE

THE deputy mayor of BUCKINGHAM, Cllr Anja Schaefer, led a service to commemorate Holocaust Memorial Day on 27 January at the town’s new Memorial Stone in Bourton Park. She read a commitment to ensure that future generations understand the causes of the Holocaust, while Sarah Katz of the Milton Keynes & District Reform Synagogue read Elie Wiesel’s acceptance of the Nobel Peace Prize in 1986. The council was joined by pupils from the Royal Latin school and Lace Hill primary (above), who laid tribute stones and shared readings. The memorial stone is limestone bedrock from Brackley Road cemetery and was donated in 2021 by local firm Paragon Tool Hire, while stonemason Louis Francis was commissioned to engrave it.

Clerks & Councils Direct, March 2023

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WORK BEGINS ON MEMORIAL GARDEN

FARNHAM Town Council in Surrey has begun work to create a new garden of remembrance in Upper Hale. The space has been designed by garden design company Graduate Landscapes on the site of Hale chapels, which have stood redundant for many years. The garden is being built by award-winning company Landform. The project will see unstable parts of the chapel walls reduced in height. Their footprint will be preserved by laying repurposed flint setts at ground level, with key features such as gable windows and stone mullions incorporated into the design. The garden will be planted with trees and plants which feature in the Bible, including an almond tree to symbolise renewal, an olive tree for productivity, a fig tree for life and myrtle for recovery. Cllr Carole Cockburn, lead member for cemeteries, said: “I’m pleased that we have been able to find a new purpose for the chapels and to bring the space back into use, with help from the Hale Chapels Trust and the local community.

Clerks & Councils Direct, March 2023

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TOWN TAKES BACK TOMMY MEMORIAL

CREWKERNE Town Council has taken the town’s war memorial, known as “Tommy”, and the adjacent Severalls War Memorial Gardens back into its ownership, following negotiations with South Somerset District Council (SSDC). The town council is the sole trustee of the War Memorial Grounds Commemoration Trust. Following the decision to move towards a unitary council for the county, the town council approached SSDC about the possibility of transferring the gardens back to its control. A petition was organised by resident John Davies and presented to a meeting of SSDC’s full council by deputy mayor Alice Samuel. Lengthy negotiations between officers of both councils resulted in an agreement to transfer ownership of the land back to the town of Crewkerne. Cllr Samuel said: “We are delighted that Tommy and the gardens are ‘coming home’. This has taken several years of careful negotiations, but the ownership of these important historic assets is now with the town, which is right and proper. The gardens are tended by an enthusiastic team of local volunteers, and they will now be supported by the town council’s grounds team where needed.”

Clerks & Councils Direct, March 2023

ANIMAL MURAL

THE mayor of SWANLEY in Kent, Cllr Lesley Dyball, unveiled an animal mural on 11 November to commemorate animals that have been killed in war, on a wall alongside the town’s silent soldiers. Cllr Dyball said: “I am very pleased that we have been able to finally pay tribute to the animals that served so courageously during conflict.” Toni Roast, assistant town clerk, said: “After working on this mural for over three years, I am so pleased that it has finally come to fruition. The soldiers have had new poppies this year, after residents worked hard to knit and crochet more than 660 poppies.

Clerks & Councils Direct January 2023

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WORK BEGINS TO RESTORE MEMORIAL

BRADFORD ON AVON Town Council in Wiltshire has received a grant from the War Memorials Trust scheme, supported by Historic England, to repair and conserve its war memorial, whose stone has weathered and deteriorated over the years. The funding coincides with the memorial’s 100th anniversary.  Work began on 26 September to fence off the memorial in Westbury Garden and erect scaffolding. The contractors will hand clean recesses, repoint joints to steps and paving and carry out fine mortar repairs. The memorial was unveiled on 3 August 1922. It has two bronze tablets carrying the names of 125 men who died in the Great War, arranged alphabetically from Adams C.E. to White W. Bradford on Avon contributed to both world wars as an industrial town, manufacturing Avon Rubber products, but it also suffered significant losses from its small population. The council embarked on the refurbishment programme with support from the local Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal team. Frances Moreton, director of the War Memorials Trust, said: “War memorials connect us today to those who have given their lives in conflicts throughout history. The charity was delighted to support this project and hopes it will ensure the war memorial remains a focal point for the community.”

Clerks & Councils Direct November 2022

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LASTING REMINDER OF COVID LOSSES

CLLR Jackie Love, mayor of UCKFIELD Town Council in East Sussex, and her deputy Cllr Donna French unveiled a commemorative bench on 27 January as a permanent memorial to all those affected by the coronavirus pandemic. They were joined by representatives of funeral director CPJ Field, which helped to develop and finance the project.
The idea was first put forward by Cllr Duncan Bennett at a council meeting in April 2021. CPJ Field sourced suitable designs and contributed to the costs of production and installation. The bench, located at the top of Luxford Field with views over the town, is made from powder-coated steel and its design represents friends and family members.

Cllr Love said: “This is a beautiful location for our residents to sit and reflect, and a key memorial to remember those who lost their lives during the pandemic.” She is pictured (second left) with Cllr French (third left) and Paula O’Neill and Emma Naylor of CPJ Field.

Clerks & Councils Direct March 2022

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CHESTNUT COMPLETES MEMORIAL PLANTING

MISTLEY Parish Council in Essex recently planted a horse chestnut tree at the Mistley and Manningtree Welcome Home Field. The council is sole trustee of the Welcome Home Memorial Trust and it now has a full complement of 17 memorial trees at the site, one for each resident who died in World War II. County councillor Carlo Guglielmi helped with the finances via Essex County Council’s Locality Budget, and long-serving parish councillor Geraldine Carter (pictured) assisted with planting the tree. A Welcome Home sign is being restored by Cllr Derek Bell and a new bench has been ordered to replace a previous one that was vandalised. The council hopes to have the Welcome Home Field ready to host a community event for the Queen’s Platinum celebrations in June.

Clerks & Councils Direct March 2022

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LEARNING LESSONS FROM HISTORY

BUCKINGHAM Town Council commemorated Holocaust Memorial Day on 27 January with a ceremony at a new Memorial Stone in Bourton Park. The event was led by the mayor, Cllr Margaret Gateley, who stated the council’s commitment to ensuring that future generations understand the causes of the Holocaust and reflect upon its consequences, while condemning prejudice, discrimination and racism in all societies. She then read a poem by a British soldier who took part in the liberation of the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp in April 1945 and was joined by councillors and members of the public in a lantern-lit walk of reflection. The memorial stone is a focal point for people to learn about the Nazi genocide of six million Jews and other minorities in World War II and also more recent atrocities in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia and Darfur. It is made from limestone bedrock from a local cemetery and was engraved by stonemason Louis Francis. The council worked with The Holocaust Memorial Day Trust to plan the inaugural event. The charity provides free resources and workshops across the UK and also the annual theme for the day of memorial. This year’s theme was “One Day”, in the hope of a day in the future when there will be no more genocide.

Clerks & Councils Direct March 2022

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NEW MEMORIAL GARDEN

CANVEY ISLAND Town Council in Essex has unveiled a new memorial garden with a plaque and two additional raised beds in the Labworth Memorial Garden in memory of residents who have lost their lives due to the coronavirus pandemic. A short service of dedication was held on 30 October, with a speech by the mayor, Cllr Barry Palmer. The garden has been fully funded through donations from local businesses and the Essex County Council Locality Fund. The council hopes that it will give residents a place to sit and reflect upon personal losses.

Clerks & Councils Direct January 2022

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MEMORIAL SERVICE FOR WARTIME PILOT

QUEDGELEY Town Council in Gloucestershire held a Pilot Memorial Day event on 25 September to remember Flight Lieutenant Robert George Coventry, who in September 1940 selflessly steered his stricken plane over Fieldcourt Junior School before crashing into nearby farmland. He lost his life in the incident but saved the lives of many children. The service began at the crash site, followed by a parade to the council’s memorial garden, where a monument has been erected. Around 700 people attended, including two residents who were at the school at the time and witnessed the event. The family of Flt Lt Coventry now live in Canada, but two of his comrades survived that day and the daughter of one of them attended the service to lay a wreath. Months of preparation went into ensuring that the event could take place safely, according to clerk Jacquie Webster, and it was featured on that evening’s Points West news bulletin on BBC TV.

Clerks & Councils Direct November 2021


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