War memorials given repairs
MOVE TO REFURBISH SITES FOR ARMISTICE CENTENARY
FIFTEEN war memorials in North Tyneside are to be refurbished to mark the centenary of the end of the First World War.
While another memorial in a Northumberland “Thankful Village” – where all who served returned safely – is among those listed as part of Historic England’s war centenary programme. Meldon, near Morpeth, is the most northerly Thankful Village in mainland Britain. There are 51 such villages across England.
North Tyneside Council is investing up to £100,000 to refurbish 15 historic monuments around the borough ahead of the 100th anniversary of the First World War Armistice next month. They are working with the War Memorials Trust to secure extra funding to support the repairs.
The memorials in New York, North Shields, Backworth, Shiremoor, Seaton Burn, Whitley Bay, Benton, Cullercoats, Holy Cross, Preston, Earsdon, Tynemouth, West Allotment and Forest Hall will all undergo repairs. It follows repairs carried out to memorials throughout North Tyneside in 2014 to coincide with the centenary of the outbreak of the war.
Coun Gary Bell, North Tyneside Council’s armed forces champion, said: “We wish to honour those brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in the First World War.
“It’s fantastic to see community groups, the Heritage Lottery Fund who have supported some of the projects, local schools and the Royal British Legion all working together in collaboration.
“In partnership with these various groups a full programme has been developed to ensure this historical moment is not forgotten. We will remember them.”
The authority has also worked with local communities and partners to organise events and activities to mark the centenary.
An exhibition, entitled Hearts at Peace: How WW1 changed people’s lives in North Tyneside, is on show at Segedunum Roman Fort and Museum in Wallsend.
The Northumbria World War One commemoration project will stage an exhibition titled Our Journey’s End at Wallsend Memorial Hall from November 5.
A commemoration event, including an Armistice Centenary service, will take place at St John’s Parish Church in Killingworth where local schoolchildren will lay wreaths.
The annual poppy appeal will be launched and three, 6ft high ‘Tommies’ – silhouette figures of First World War soldiers – will be placed around North Tyneside.
One will be permanently displayed in front of Spanish City in Whitley Bay, near the Cenotaph on the Links, along with a plaque, another two will go on tour at various locations suggested by the public. In addition, thousands of knitted poppies will be displayed at the main gates at each of the council’s seven cemeteries, as well as some churches.
Many groups have been involved, including the Woolies based at the Linskill Centre, the knitting and crocheting groups at Battle Hill Library, Hobbycraft Silverlink, the ladies of Kings Lodge Sheltered Housing North Shields and St Paul’s Church Willington Quay.
Poppy Arnold, North Tyneside’s elected young mayor, will help launch the poppy appeal and will also give a reading at one of the Remembrance Sunday services.
She said: “It means so much to be involved in the events to mark the centenary – it is important that young people are taught the importance of remembering those who have served in conflict.
“This has extra significance for me personally as I will be turning 13 on 11 November and I was named after the flower that symbolises peace.
“My great grandad was also a staunch supporter of the Royal British Legion and he served in the war.”