Gateway to fallen given go-ahead for park
STRUCTURE WILL PROMOTE HISTORY OF LAND BOUGHT AS WWI TRIBUTE
WORK on an ambitious project to raise awareness of Mirfield’s little-known memorial park has been given the goahead.
Mirfield Memorial Park, on Huddersfield Road, was bought by public subscription in tribute to those killed in the First World War.
The park is currently home to two cricket clubs – Mirfield and Moorlands – and Mirfield Tennis Club.
Its historical background is not widely known and Mayor of Mirfield Clr Martyn Bolt teamed up with the Mirfield branch of the Royal British Legion (RBL) to promote the park and what is stands for.
The RBL and Mirfield Town Council joined the Armistice & Memorial Committee and plans were drawn up to create a special entrance in tribute to the fallen. Following public consultation and requests for ideas, a design was prepared by local businessman Ben Renshaw, of Limitless Graphics, depicting all the armed services. It will be made of layers of steel and illuminated.
Planning permission was required for the change to the entrance and that work was carried out free of charge by Jake Hinchliffe, of the Orange Design Studio in Mirfield.
Having secured permission, the committee is now ready to install the new gateway feature and is seeking tenders.
The Armistice & Memorial Committee supported Mirfield RBL to represent the town at events such as the Festival of Remembrance last year, has provided a new flag pole for the town centre and is also working to provide events for families and veterans during the new bank holiday for the 75th anniversary of VE Day on May 8 next year.