Northumberland village war memorial to receive makeover in time for centenary event

Alnmouth war memorial is to be given a makeover in time for its centenary later this year.
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Funding has been agreed by the parish council for the work to be undertaken by Amble-based Sample Builders.

Members approved a quote from Peter Sample for just over £1,200 plus VAT to clean the monument and the surrounding area with a chemical-free treatment to kill the moss and then power wash it.

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“They are not trying to bring the stone back to new,” said chairman, Cllr Shaun Whyte. “We’re not looking to restore it to its 1921 appearance.

Alnmouth war memorial.Alnmouth war memorial.
Alnmouth war memorial.

“The other advantage of using him is that we wouldn’t have to close the road. One of the other quotes included £600 on traffic management but Peter said he would be able to operate within the circle of the war memorial.

“He will be able to get it done in the next couple of months, certainly well in time before the centenary.”

The project will be paid for from a community fund augmented by donations from holiday let properties.

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Alnmouth WI is working on a project to mark the centenary of the dedication of the war memorial on July 24.

They intend to create profiles of the 31 individuals who gave their lives in the first and second world wars, plus one who died in the Argyle Street bombing.

Those will be marked on an indexed, illustrated map and placed at six sites around the village. There is also going to be a banner and bunting around the war memorial itself.

“We’re also hoping, if Covid rules allow, to have a rededication involving the Anglican and Methodist churches,” added Cllr Whyte.

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The parish council also wants to investigate the possibility of introducing subtle spot-lighting in the vicinity.

Cllr Ed Williams said: It’s an iconic part of the village and at the moment it really is in darkness. There is a little light on the top but it doesn’t really show the monument.”

“It’s project worth looking at,” agreed Cllr David Denton.

There is already an electricity supply which is used to illuminate the Christmas tree.

It was agreed to discuss the matter with Northumberland County Council.

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