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Anniversary ideal time to restore war memorial
AN old sepia-tinged photograph given to a Peterborough church by a parishioner has finally shed light on a mysterious monument in its graveyard.
AN old sepia-tinged photograph given to a Peterborough church by a parishioner has finally shed light on a mysterious monument in its graveyard.The snapshot, part of a donated bundle of memorabilia, revealed that what was thought to be a worn, sandstone gravestone in St Paul's Church, New England was, in fact, the parish's long-forgotten war memorial.
Now, the Rev Ron Watkinson, is hoping to raise funds to restore it to its former glory and reinstate the missing names of brave local men who fought and fell during the first and second world wars.
Mr Watkinson said: "It's amazing really. From the photos you can actually make out all the names of the fallen on the memorial, and hopefully we can put them back where they belong.
"Remembering the dead is incredibly important and something that more and more people, especially youngsters, are taking an interest in."
The move has been backed by ward councillor Charles Swift.
He said: "I think it's incredibly important to remember the past. To restore the war memorial would be fantastic."
The Parish of New England came into existence with the advent of the railways in the 19th century, and the Victorian church was built at The Triangle, in 1869. Whenever a railway driver died, the church bell would peal and workers would down tools and follow the cortege into church. Many of the soldiers listed on the war memorial were also railway workers.
The bell has not rung for 40 years, but on September 12, at 3pm, people will hear it peal at a special service to dedicate it's new 8ft-high stainless steel tower cross and bell.
Cllr Swift, who married in the church 54 years ago, added: "Hearing the bell ring out again after so many years will bring back so many memories."
Mr Watkinson hopes that the church can become a focus for its 21st century multi-cultural population.
He said: "Seeing the improvements will hopefully help kick-start the regeneration of the area and be something this vibrant community can take pride in."
For information about the church, call the Rev Watkinson on 01733 314117.
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Thursday 24 May 2012
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