Did you realise there are over 100,000 war memorials across the UK? They commemorate the sacrifices of those impacted by conflict and act as a reminder of the consequences of war. Two thirds of the war memorials in the UK were erected after World War I, the majority paid for by local fundraising, and the family and friends of those remembered creating a lasting tribute. The locations selected for memorials often had local significance.
Whilst many of the war memorials are kept in good condition, some 1 in 20 may need work due to neglect, ageing, weathering or occasionally vandalism.
In 1997 the War Memorials Trust was formed, its objects being:
To improve the condition of war memorials, in their historic design and setting, to support their long-term preservation in-line with best conservation practice
To increase the understanding of best conservation practice including how to maintain, protect, repair and conserve war memorials appropriately as well as raise awareness of the support available from War Memorials Trust
To enhance public engagement with, and the recognition of local responsibility for, war memorials
To sustain access to grant funding to support repair and conservation works in-line with best conservation practice
To increase the money raised by the charity to deliver its vision to protect and conserve war memorials
The patron of the trust is HRH Duchess of Cornwall.
All war memorials are eligible for help from the Trust, and they offer practical advice on technical conservation, day to day care of war memorials as well as addressing a range of questions on war memorials and associated issues from planning to legislation. Grants can be made available and a number of war memorials in Essex have benefitted. An example is the war memorial clock on the church of St Mary’s, Sheering, (near Harlow), which had been dedicated in 1949 in memory of those of the village of Sheering who died in WWII. (see below)
It is important to spread the word about the existence of the War Memorials Trust and ensure that all those caring for war memorials are aware the charity can help.
Further details of the charity can be obtained at:
www.warmemorialsonline.org.uk
