Post-1945 war memorial designs revealed

Date published: 04 June 2010

Tameside Council has unveiled two designs for its new war memorial and is asking the public to say which one they prefer.

Last year, the authority announced its intention to erect a monument in honour of the men and women from the borough who died serving their country in conflicts since the end of the Second War.

One is a small free-standing structure made of Portland stone and high-quality stainless steel, which would be positioned behind the memorial. It is of modern design and offers a new interpretation of the Union Flag. The other comprises two low-level Portland stone plinths which would flank the pathway leading up from the main steps.

Both would have room to record the names of Tameside’s post-1945 fallen as well as any others which might come to light in future. This is likely to be done using brass plaques.

Whichever design is chosen will stand in the Memorial Gardens, Ashton. This area has been selected because it is central, easily reached and has good access for the disabled. It is also the site of the service attended by the civic mayor at 11am each Remembrance Sunday. However, every Tameside town and village will get a commemorative tablet as part of a rolling programme which began in 2008.

First Deputy Cllr Jim Fitzpatrick said: “Both designs are respectful of the fallen and complement the Memorial Gardens environment while in no way detracting from the main war memorial which was dedicated in 1922.

“We have contacted relatives of the Tameside soldiers killed in Iraq and Afghanistan to ask for their opinions, and groups such as the Royal British Legion. But we would also like to know what the people at large think and will take this into account when making our decision.”

The intention is to unveil the new memorial on November 11, the 92nd anniversary of the First World War armistice, so that it can be used on Remembrance Sunday (November 14). The two designs can be viewed, and opinions registered, by visiting:

www.tameside.gov.uk/newmemorial