News - Help needed re Dearne War Memorial

WORK on a Dearne Towns War Memorial is underway. If anyone has information on the following names, please contact Peter Shields on 01709 890761 or email petershields184@hotmail.com: 1914-1918 - R Bagshaw, JW Bailey, R Cave, R Childs, W Dolan, J Elliott, J Eton, Clara Garbutt, C Haines, J Hall, J Hopwood, Ella Howitt, E Lidgett, M McLoughlin, WE Mitchell, D Owen, E Reynolds, S Shaw, H Smith, PH Smith, L Stott, C Watson. 1939-1945 - D Clarke, W Cooper, G Day, A Dunn, J Fisher, C Foster, E Glasswell, J Gratton, S Grundry, D Hamilton, A Handley, J Hayes, L Jackson, A Jones, A Kerry, G Longden, G Margesson, E Pendlebury, J Sharman, E Sharman, B Shaw, W Shepherd, A Tarmey, H Warner, H Webster.


From: http://www.doncasterfreepress.co.uk/community/help-needed-re-dearne-war-memorial-1-4982799

Article - Oldest RAF veteran meets memorial campaigners (Halam)

A 99 year old RAF veteran has given his seal of approval to a memorial erected to seven airmen killed in a plane crash in Nottinghamshire during World War Two.


The crew of a Lancaster bomber died in 1943 when their plane crashed in the village of Halam near Southwell. Last year a granite memorial was unveiled in their honour after two locals - Andrew Paris and Tony Denyer - campaigned for the crash site to be recognised. Relatives of the crew from Australia, Canada and the UK were present at the blessing.

Jim Flint is the oldest and most decorated surviving RAF war veteran and Bomber Command pilot. He flew 56 missions and became a Commanding Officer. During his career he was awarded the Distinguished Service Order (DSO), the Distinguished Service Cross (DSC), the George Medal and the Aircraft Efficiency Medal (AE). Jim received the George Medal for bravery after his plane ditched in the sea off the coast of Norfolk. His navigator was trapped and Jim swam back to rescue him.

Today he spoke about the need to remember the war dead.“"There was many a mission I flew that I honestly didn't know if I would return home from. I lost so many dear friends during the Second World War and to have colleagues recognised with these special memorials is marvellous."

The memorial at Halam is one of a number of RAF crash sites that have been recognised by Nottinghamshire County Council through their Local Improvement Scheme. Over the last eight years the Council has spent around £500,000 to fund the restoration and creation of more than 35 war memorials across Nottinghamshire, including the village of Staunton near Newark, and Milton near Retford.

From: http://www.itv.com/news/central/2012-09-25/oldest-raf-veteran-meets-memorial-campaigners/

News - Protection for war memorials from metal thieves (Hucknall)

ACTION has been taken to protect plaques on Hucknall’s precious war memorial from being targeted by metal thieves looking to cash in.

The value of scrap metal has shot up in recent years and this has sparked a huge rise in the number of theft offences.

Metal roadside grates have been taken, lead from churches stolen and even drainpipes from Newstead Abbey pilfered.

Nothing is safe.

That’s why Ashfield District Council, the War Memorials Trust and Ashfield Memorials Group have joined forces to ensure that all metal plaques on war memorials within the district are marked with SmartWater and registered on a database.

The SmartWater is invisible to the eye but appears when scanned using an ultraviolet light. It is also almost impossible to remove once marked and can even withstand being burnt.

Plaques on the cenotaph to remember Hucknall’s war dead in the town’s Titchfield Park have been treated.

If a plaque now gets stolen and taken to a scrapyard anywhere in the country, police can locate exactly which one it is and where it has been stolen from.

Also, a thief who tries to remove Smartwater risks inadvertently spreading forensic evidence on to their clothes and any tools. This can be used by police to link a suspect directly to the crime scene.

Local groups, parish and town councils across Nottinghamshire are being reminded of the scheme to use this forensic technology to help reduce the risk of thieves and vandals stealing or damaging metal from war memorials.

Notts County Council has worked with local groups since 2006 to fund projects and create 23 war memorials in the county through its Local Improvement Scheme at a cost of £364,500.

It is estimated that on average one war memorial a week across the UK is being targeted by thieves intent on stealing bronze, copper or other metals to sell on for scrap despite the metal having relatively little monetary value.

Ashfield councillor Warren Nuttall (Lab) said: “We are very pleased to be involved in this scheme and are doing all we can to help try to reduce this sort of crime.

“The SmartWater technology is very impressive and we hope it will help to protect our war memorial plaques.”

Coun Richard Butler (Con), the county council’s cabinet member for environment, said: “War memorials are an important focal point in our communities and are a crucial reminder of the sacrifice of those who lost their lives for their country. It is shameful if any are stolen.”

From: http://www.hucknalldispatch.co.uk/news/local-news/protection_for_war_memorials_from_metal_thieves_1_4246373

News - Memorial may be moved to safer spot (Bawtry)

THE new director at Bawtry Hall Training Centre says he would like to see the town’s war memorial relocated from South Parade to within the grounds of the hall.

Councillors have long been concerned about the present location of the war memorial because the volume of traffic on the busy A638 highway now makes it potentially unsafe for people to congregate there on Remembrance Sunday.

Bawtry resident Matt Brearley, a retired police officer, is among those who have pressed for it to be moved.

New locations have been suggested in the past, including the grounds of St Nicholas Church, Market Hill, the Pinfold on Doncaster Road, and land next to Bawtry Library, but all were found to be unsuitable.

Councillors also gave consideration to the possibility of commissioning a new memorial but the existing one had recently been refurbished by monumental mason Stephen Davis at the personal expense of a former councillor, John Harriett.

Bawtry Town Council will give consideration to the offer of a new site for the memorial when a formal request is received from the director of Bawtry Hall.

From: http://www.thestar.co.uk/community/green-scene/memorial_may_be_moved_to_safer_spot_1_4143053

CALLOUS vandals damaged one of the town’s historic war memorials in a botched metal theft attempt.

Residents were said to be shocked and stunned after seeing that the bronze sword on the side of the monument in Bennetthorpe was bent out of shape.

Thieves damaged the 5ft 4in piece in what is understood to have been an attempt to steal the item. However, they could not prise it from its stand.

They removed the sword from the stand in order to make the repairs by using heat treatment to restore it back into its original shape.

They then re-attached it to the monument.

Jeff Swift, chairman of the Sprotbrough branch of the Royal British Legion, told the Free Press he was saddened by the news.

He said: “That monument represents people who have made the ultimate sacrifice and for people to go and do something like that is not on, they obviously didn’t think about what that memorial means to people.

“It’s very sad that we have people in the community who would do something like this.

“Thankfully it’s been rectified and hopefully it will not happen again.”

A spokesman for South Yorkshire Police confirmed that the December 15 incident had been reported and that detectives were continuing to investigate the matter.

The borough has been subjected to several metal thefts over the past year with homes, churches and firms being targeted.

Companies including those sited at Hayfield Business Park have been hit more than once over the past two months by copper crooks.

Business owners were forced to send staff home because they had no phonelines and the internet could not be used.

Police officers and BT engineers have also been called out on several occasions to deal with cable thefts which have left homes in areas such as Lindholme, Hatfield and Stainforth isolated with no phoneline connection.

From: http://www.doncasterfreepress.co.uk/news/doncaster-news/uproar_as_metal_thieves_damage_tribute_to_war_heroes_1_4103625

News - Memorial gardens renovated in £20,000 project (Ollerton)

A WAR memorial has been renovated thanks to a £20,000 project.

Paths in the Ollerton Memorial Gardens were re-laid and resurfaced, and the memorial was cleaned.

Gates and railings were also restored by local ironmonger Mike Pringle.

Councillor Stella Smedley, who approved the Notts County Council's Local Improvement Scheme application which paid for the work, said the memorial's restoration had been welcomed by members of the public and the Royal British Legion.

She said: "The memorial looks absolutely splendid and everyone is delighted with the work that has been carried out.

"War memorials are a landmark in many communities and it is essential we keep them maintained to the highest standards."

Ollerton town clerk Karen Wakefield said that the repair work had been urgent as the paths had become unsafe.

Councillor Smedley also hit out at recent vandalism which left gates and pillars damaged.

She said: "Local people were very angry that this mindless act was carried out on the newly-restored memorial – we can only hope the culprits are ashamed of themselves."

From: http://www.thisisnottingham.co.uk/Memorial-gardens-renovated-pound-20-000-project/story-14155036-detail/story.html

News - Join the Smart brigade and protect your war memorial (notts)

COMMUNITIES in Notts can play their part in protecting war memorials from vandalism.

Notts County Council wants groups, parish and town councils to get their memorials marked with SmartWater.

The liquid can be used by police to help trace metal if it is stolen from a memorial.

It is estimated that across the UK, one memorial a week, on average, is targeted by thieves intent on stealing bronze, copper or other metal to sell for scrap.

Councillor Richard Butler, the county council's cabinet member for environment, said: "War memorials are an important focal point in our communities and are a crucial reminder of the sacrifice of those who lost their lives for their country.

"SmartWater is a simple and effective way of helping to protect metal plaques on memorials which mark particular wars or list the names of local people who have lost their lives in war."

The council has spent £364,500 on 23 projects to restore and create war memorials in Notts since 2006.

War memorials in the county may be eligible for free SmartWater marking as part of the In Memoriam 2014 scheme, which is being is offered by the War Memorials Trust working in partnership with the SmartWater Foundation. The partnership is working towards the 100th anniversary of the start of the First World War in 2014 and wants to offer greater protection to memorials.

To find out more, visit www.inmemoriam2014.org or call 07990936276.

From: http://www.thisisnottingham.co.uk/Join-Smart-brigade-protect-war-memorial/story-14045165-detail/story.html

Event - War heroes to be discussed at meeting (Mexborough)

MEXBOROUGH’S fallen war heroes will be remembered at the town’s next heritage meeting this month.

A talk will be given about the War Memorial in Sheffield which carries the names of former workers at Mexborough Loco Plant who lost their lives during World War I.

The meeting will be held at the George and Dragon pub on Tuesday, October 25, from 7.15pm

From: http://www.doncasterfreepress.co.uk/news/doncaster-news/war_heroes_to_be_discussed_at_meeting_1_3857609

News - Conisbrough war memorial damaged by thieves

A war memorial has been damaged by thieves who tried to steal a large brass plaque from it.

Police in Conisbrough, South Yorkshire said the plaque was left badly damaged on the ground after the thieves prised it off the stone memorial with a crowbar.

Three men were seen running from the scene after being disturbed by a passing police patrol.

The incident took place in the early hours of Thursday.

Insp Ray Mountford, from the West Safer Neighbourhood Teams, said "these individuals have desecrated the honour of the people who fought and lost their lives for this country".

He added: "There has been no regard or respect to what these plaques represent, or mean to the local community.

"I would urge anyone who may have any information as to who was involved or who may have witnessed anything, to please come forwards."

From: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-south-yorkshire-15167123

News - Pictorial project to honour war dead (Newarl/Balderton)

A project has been launched to match photographs to all the names on the Newark and Balderton war memorials.

It is hoped it will be completed in time for the 100th anniversary of the start of the first world war in 2014.

The project mirrors a much bigger one to find photographs of as many of the 72,000 British and Commonwealth casualties of the Battle of The Somme who have no known resting place and whose names are commemorated on the French Thiepval memorial to the missing.

There are 603 names on Newark’s Memorial To The Fallen at Newark Cemetery, of whom 456 are first world war casualties.

Another 144 are from the second world war, one died in West Africa in 1961, one in Malaya in 1952 and one in Afghanistan in 2007.

There are 45 names from the first world war on the memorial in St Giles’ Church, Balderton, and a further 13 from the second world war.

Mr Pete Stevens, a Commonwealth War Graves Commission stonemason, is behind the idea to match photographs with the names.

He suggested it at a meeting in Leicester about restoring war memorials there.

Mr Stevens, of Coleman Avenue, Balderton, said completing the project in time for 2014 would be a fitting testament to the memory of those who died.

He said: “If we could achieve this it would fantastic.

“It would be the perfect way to ensure that the memory of these men lives on for the next generation, and wonderful to have a gallery completed in time for August 4, 2014, which is the 100th anniversary of the declaration of war by Great Britain on Germany and her allies.

“A number of very special events are being planned nationally and this one I hope will capture the imagination.”

Mr Stevens plans to create a website where people can upload pictures of their relatives, along with items such as letters from the Front to create a more detailed insight into their lives.

Mr Stevens has already found some photographs of the dead through his work and through genealogy websites.

He has discovered the name of Private Levi Sibcy from 2/8th Sherwood Foresters, who was killed on January 15, 1915, aged 16, and is the youngest soldier recorded on either memorial.

He wants to know more about the six soldiers, also from 2/8th, who died of wounds sustained in the Irish uprising of 1916 and are on the Balderton memorial.

Mr Stevens wants people to trawl though family archives for pictures.

He plans to contact schools in the hope teachers will make research part of history lessons, and pupils will take news of the project home to their parents.

He hopes a home can be found for the gallery, possibly in Newark’s planned new museum which, subject to Lottery funding, would be created at the Old Magnus Buildings, Appletongate.

Any relative of one of the fallen featured on either memorial and who has a photograph of them or who can help in any kind of way can contact Mr Stevens via Petejstevens@hotmail.co.uk or contact the Advertiser newsdesk on 01636 681234.

From: http://www.newarkadvertiser.co.uk/articles/news/Pictorial-project-to-honour-war-dead

News - New war memorial for servicemen in Mansfield

The families of seven Nottinghamshire servicemen killed in action over 60 years have placed plaques bearing their names on a new war memorial.

The ceremony was held at the Mansfield Heroes Memorial at Carr Bank Park in the town.

It included families of men killed in the Korean war as well as relatives of L/Sgt David Greenhalgh and Pte Damian Wright, who both died in Afghanistan.

Deborah Smalley, Pte Wright's mother, said she was grateful to Mansfield.

She said: "A group of people that came to the memorial service that I do every year on the anniversary of Damian's death said we should get something together and do something for Damian in Mansfield.

"And I thought it was going to be like a brass plaque or something in town or maybe a bench and then we just got such massive, massive support that we've ended up with this big memorial in Carr Bank Park.

"That's absolutely fantastic. I can't thank Mansfield enough for all the support that we've had."

The small black granite plaques have been inscribed with the name, rank and regiment of each serviceman as well as where and when he died.

The stone in the main body of the memorial was quarried in Derbyshire.

Three black granite "tear-drops", representing one of the armed forces, form the centrepiece and were imported from Portugal.

The memorial has been built by the Mansfield's Heroes Memorial Trust.

The campaign started in October 2009 and individuals, groups and businesses have worked to raise more than £70,000 since then.

From: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-nottinghamshire-13791812

News - 18 'forgotten' names added to memorial (Southwell)

THE names of 18 servicemen from both world wars that were missing from a Notts war memorial were added at a dedication ceremony at the weekend.

Brothers Andy and Robert Gregory of the Southwell branch of the Royal British Legion (RBL) discovered that names were missing while doing research at Southwell Minster.

The addition of the names of 17 servicemen who died in the First World War and one from the Second World War was marked on Saturday by a wreath-laying.

The memorial was paid for by the town council and installed at the minster in 1920.

Among those attending were relatives of previously unrecognised Flying Officer John Michael Godfree Browne, whose death inspired the creation of lace panels depicting the Battle of Britain, and Sergeant Frederick Handley, of the 1st 5th Battalion of the Notts Derby Regiment, who died of pneumonia in October 1918.

Andy, 55, chairman of the Southwell RBL branch, said: "It was very emotional to see the names up there. They were special people."

Saturday was also the 90th anniversary of the dedication of the memorial on the Burgage.

A service took place to mark the event with residents laying flowers and small posies on the memorial.

It was followed later in the day by an RBL concert, featuring the band of the Royal Air Force College and performances by the Harborough Singers.

From: http://www.thisisnottingham.co.uk/news/18-forgotten-names-added-memorial/article-3508846-detail/article.html

News - Pete’s 200 mile challenge (Woodsetts War Memorial)

A WOODSETTS walker is trekking the width of the country to raise money to restore a local war memorial.

Caretaker Pete Lemon will take on Alfred Wainwright’s famous coast to coast trail, covering some 200 miles in just 10 days.

“I am doing the walk to raise money to refurbish the war memorial at the side of St George’s Church,” said Pete.

“It needs quite a lot of work in order to bring it back to its former glory.”

Seasoned walker Pete will be setting off on his mammoth solo journey on the Tuesday after Easter from his starting point of St Beas on the West coast of Cumbria.

His route will then take him through three national parks as he journeys across the Lakes, through the Yorkshire Dales and into the North York Moors before finishing at Robin Hood’s Bay on the east coast of Yorkshire.

“I do walking as a hobby and have been doing it for a long time,” continued Pete.

“I’m 59 now, but I’m still aiming to do it in the 10 days and I am very determined that I will finish. I’m a very stubborn person and when I say I’m going to do something, that’s it.”

Although unofficial, the coast to coast Walk uses public rights of way and is one of the most popular of all the long-distance footpaths in the UK.

In 2004 it was named as the second best walk in the world according to a survey of experts.

As well as training hard Pete has been busy getting sponsorship before his challenge, and has had a good response from people living in the village.

“It’s been great so far, but I want to raise as much as we can,” he added.

There are sponsor forms at various places around Woodsetts including St George’s Church, the post office on Lindrick Road, the newsagents and Flavours Cafe on Worksop Road.

From: http://www.dinningtontoday.co.uk/news/local-news/pete_s_200_mile_challenge_1_3303523

News- Village shocked by sick attack on war memorial (Carlton-in-Lindrick)

The Carlton community has been rocked by a mindless act of vandalism which has desecrated the village war memorial.

Residents gathered with councillors to assess the damage caused after two bronze plaques were ripped from the stonework.

They bear the names of Carlton’s servicemen who lost their lives in the First World War.

Police are now appealing for information on the theft which happened between midday on Friday 18th March and 1pm the following day.

Ex-serviceman Brian Madden, of Dadley Road, Carlton, who is standard bearer for Worksop Royal British Legion condemned the ‘toerags’ who committed the crime.

“It’s just despicable,” said Mr Madden.

“It is an insult to those men who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country, but it also affects the whole community.”

Mr Madden said it was the second time in 18 months that the memorial had been targeted.

Coun Barry Bowles, chairman of Carlton Parish Council, noticed the plaques were missing on Saturday morning.

He estimates the cost to replace the plaques will be more than £3,000.

Carlton Parish Council will bear the brunt of the repair costs, as it is responsible for looking after the memorial.

“This memorial was completely renovated and re-dedicated in September 2009 costing many thousands of pounds,” said Coun Bowles.

“The plaques alone cost nearly £2,000 to repair after there had been an attempt to steal them previously, which had left them buckled.”

He added: “The Parish Council raised the money for this renovation by appealing to the good people of Carlton – who gave very generously – and to the War Memorial Trust for assistance.”

The memorial was previously looked after by the local branch of the Fellowship of the Services.

Chairman Ian Thompson said he was “appalled” by what had happened.

“Words cannot express the anger that this outrage has happened again,” he said.

“All of our companions have served in the armed forces and greatly respect and honour those who have made the supreme sacrifice.”

Police investigations are ongoing into the whereabouts of the plaques and to track down the people responsible.

It is thought the motive for the theft could have been to sell the plaques on.

Scrap metal thefts have risen dramatically in recent months in line with the prices being paid for it.

Sgt Mark Lee of Carlton’s Safer Neighbourhood Team said: “It is likely these bronze memorials were stolen, with the intention of selling them on as scrap metal for money.”

“I am aghast that anyone would even consider stealing these two plaques, which clearly commemorate those people from the Carlton area who gave their lives in the First World War.”

“I would appeal to those who are behind this crime to question their own morality and return the items to the Parish Council.”

“Alternatively I would appeal to anyone who knows the offenders, or to any scrap metal dealers who have been offered these plaques for sale, to call the police immediately.”

Anyone with information should call Notts Police on 0300 300 9999 and ask for Carlton-in-Lindrick Contact Point or Worksop Police Station.

Alternatively call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

From: http://www.worksopguardian.co.uk/news/village_shocked_by_sick_attack_on_war_memorial_1_3211591

This sounds similar to the attack on the war memorial at Denaby last year.  Hopefully this scum can be caught and brought to trial.

News - Work starts on Sutton war memorial (Sutton-in-Ashfield)

ASHFIELD will finally get a new war memorial to its fallen heroes this summer as work starts after a long campaign.

Around five years of work came to a head on Monday as the first sod was cut at the site of the new monument, on the corner of Mansfield Road and Unwin Road in Sutton.

Campaign group Friends of Ashfield War Memorials raised around £25,000 to get the memorial built.

Said group treasurer Maria Kerry: “It was a marvellous feeling to see the work finally start.

“The campaign has been going on for years but we are finally getting there.”

Recognising British service personnel killed during conflict since 1914, the completed monument will feature an obelisk and garden.

It will be officially unveiled with a special ceremony in June.

On Monday group members and local people who have donated cash to the scheme saw NMC Nomenca, part of the Huthwaite-based North Midland Construction group, start work.

The company is among firms offering their services for free to get the monument built, while local councillors have also given thousands of pounds in funding towards the scheme.

Added Mrs Kerry: “The memorial itself is done, the railings are being finished and the plaques are done, we can’t wait for it to be ready.”

From: http://www.chad.co.uk/news/local/work_starts_on_sutton_war_memorial_1_3156874