Uncertain future for VC winner statue campaign
THE committee of The Tom Wilkinson VC statue appeal will have to make a very important decision on the May 1, as to whether we carry on trying to raise money for a statue, or get a memorial stone for him instead.
Unfortunately, all avenues of getting a grant large enough to fund the statue have been closed to us. We were going to apply for a WREN grant as this enabled us to succeed with the two previous statues. This is done from Halton Borough Council but unfortunately they need to use the grant this year on another, more important project for the borough, which is quite correct. In addition, people themselves have their own priorities rather than donating to the Statue Appeal particularly in these times of austerity.
It is especially disappointing for as the goal was to raise sufficient funds to enable a statue for each of the three Victoria Cross holders who were born in the borough. Sadly, both myself and the chairman, Chris Stapleton, have health issues which mean we cannot continue indefinitely. In addition, Chris has a young family he would like to dedicate more time to. This journey has been a long one starting with the statue for Todger Jones, VC DCM in January 2010. Todger’s statue was unveiled August 3, 2014. The appeal for Thomas Mottershead statue started in June 2014 and this statue was unveiled on April 1, 2017.
This final statue appeal started in June 2017 but fundraising has been extremely difficult which is expected given the length of time statue appeals have been in the public domain. It is, however, very sad that Act Lt Tom Wilkinson VC could be the only one not to get a statue, but at least we have remembered him as he was very much forgotten by the Royal Navy.
There is a lot to be proud of:
A blue plaque attached to the birth place of both Tom Mottershead VC DCM, and Tom Wilkinson VC.
One memorial to all the seafarers and mariners of Runcorn who sailed during WW1 and WW2
A plan for a similar memorial is in place to be installed in Widnes this year.
We would like to thank both Northwich Fireplace Centre who donated the stone, and TG Robinson stonemasons for engraving it for us.
A timely reminder that Tom’s ship became the most decorated small ship in the Royal Navy.
Tom’s story can be seen on our website :
http://www.thetomwilkinsonvcstatueappeal. co.uk
THE THREE STATUES AND WHAT/WHO THEY EACH REPRESENT :TODGER JONES V.C. D.C.M. represents everyone who has served our country, irrespective of what they have or are doing, and where they come from, only to be forgotten after discharge right up to the present day.
THOMAS MOTTERSHEAD V.C. D.C.M. will represent everyone who has and are willing to serve our country irrespective where they come from and what they have done or are doing.
THOMAS WILKINSON VC will represent all those who have knowingly gone into action or entered a situation that will or could cost them their life, whilst serving our Country, irrespective of where they come from.
You may notice that none of them represent those that have paid the ultimate price, we rightly have the two Cenotaphs and the many war memorials for that.
As it says on cenotaphs and all war memorials: LEST WE FORGET. HOW DARE WE FORGET?