Repair and cleaning work announced for nationally significant Spalding War Memorial
A nationally significant war memorial will be getting some much needed tender-loving-care in the run-up to Remembrance Sunday.
Veterans have welcomed news that South Holland District Council is looking to start work on restoring Spalding’s Grade I listed war memorial in Ayscoughfee Gardens following a ‘successful pre-application for funding’.
Some natural damage and disrepair to the Grade I war memorial, which was designed by the Cenotaph architect Sir Edwin Lutyns to honour town men who died in the First World War, has happened in the five years it was last worked on – but now there is good news for its future maintenance.
The council says that it is applying to War Memorials Trust and liaising with Lutyens Trust in a bid to source funding to make repairs but has vowed to clean both the First and Second War memorials in the run up to Remembrance Day.
Chairman of Spalding Branch of the Royal British Legion Ray Scott has welcomed news of the work.
He said: “The impressive and historically significant structures are the centrepiece of the town's Remembrance Sunday Parade and a focus for reflection throughout the year.
“We know that many veterans and residents will be delighted by this news.”
Jan Whitbourn, vice chairman of the branch and South Holland District Council, said work will be carried out by specialists to clean and restore the stone.
She said: “The memorial is in need of cosmetic cleaning, to ensure the protection and enhancement of this nationally significant structure.
“I know many people will be pleased to see it looking superb once again on Sunday, November 12.”
Concerns have been raised about the damage to the memorial including faded wording on the remembrance stone, cracks to the base of the pillars and paint peeling off.
A district council spokesman said: “Our pre-application bid has now been successful, which allows the council to officially work towards applying for substantial restoration funding.
“As part of this process, the council is required to provide a detailed specification and schedule of works, as well as the costs involved.
“With the war memorial being a significant Grade 1 listed monument, it is vital to ensure the safety of the memorial, which requires specialist treatment and a carefully thought-out approach to any plans for works.
“In advance of the Remembrance Day commemorations, both the World War I and World War II memorials will be sympathetically cleaned, before the major restoration project of the World War I memorial starts.
“We are committed to the upkeep and preservation of the memorial and will be carrying out major works to bring it back to its best condition.
“We will announce a full plan around the works as soon as we can, which will include the project phases and overall cost.”
There will be a number of parades and service for Remembrance:
Springfields -Friday, November 10, at 10.55am in Peace Garden
Spalding Cemetery, Saturday, November 11, at 10.55am
Ayscoughfee Hall and Gardens – Sunday, November 12, at 10.55am – Muster in Spalding market place 10.30am
Weston Hills - Sunday, November 19 at 3pm.
