Service to mark restoration of Ringwood War Memorial

Today (Sunday August 15), residents can join Ringwood Town Council, the Royal British Legion, representatives of the armed forces and Churches Together, to commemorate Ringwood’s War Memorial, 100 years after it was erected in memory of those who had given their life during the First World War.

The memorial went through a programme of conservation last year including repairs to the First World War and Second World War Rolls of Honour, repair and re-pointing of damaged stone, treatment of the bronze sword and cleaning of the stone.

This was funded in the large part by a grant from War Memorials Trust.

Frances Moreton, the director of War Memorials Trust, said: “War memorials are a link between previous generations, ours and those who follow us. They enable us to pay tribute to the sacrifices of so many.

“War Memorials Trust has been delighted to support this project and assist the community to improve the condition of the war memorial.”

The event, which will take place in the War Memorial Gardens, on the corner of Mansfield Road and Christchurch Road, will start at 11.45am with live music from the Ringwood and Burley Band.

The outdoor service of rededication, which will also be live streamed to the Ringwood TV Facebook page, will follow at noon with introductions from the Town Mayor, Cllr Tony Ring and Town Clerk, Chris Wilkins.

The Reverent Terry Roberts will lead the short service which will include readings from the Bible, the Last Post, prayers and the laying of flowers on the memorial.

Live music will continue after the service.

Plans had been made for a ‘Party in the Park’ to follow the service in Carvers Recreation Ground but were cancelled due to uncertainties over Covid restrictions.

Get more Forest Journal news.

You can also like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter and Instagram to stay up to date.

Email newsdesk@salisburyjournal.co.uk with your comments, pictures, letters and news stories.