Work is well under way to restore Calderdale’s war memorials to mark the 100th anniversary of the outbreak of the First World War.
And Calderdale Council have pledged to keep up with the maintenance after the restoration work.
The council is working with the War Memorials Trust, a charity that helps protect and conserve war memorials in the UK, to maintain all 28 memorials across the borough – 15 of which commemorate the First World War.
This week, work is taking place on one of the main memorials in the area – the Halifax cenotaph at Duffy’s Park by Halifax Minster. The cenotaph is a listed monument, and the Council has been granted Listed Building Consent to repaint the rail around the monument and its plaque. For reasons unknown they were painted orange, but research has shown that the original colour was black so the rail and plaque are being restored to their original state.
There are memorials in many villages and towns including Rishworth, Bailiff Bridge, Southowram, Brighouse, Hullen Edge at Elland, Barkisland, Clifton, Rastrick and Ripponden
Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities, Clr Steve Sweeney, said: “We know how important it is to local people to mark the centenary of the First World War in Calderdale. We’re working hard to get all our memorials up to scratch by August.
“But the anniversary isn’t just this year – it lasts for the next four years, so we’re working throughout that time to make sure all our memorials are at their very best by 2018. After that, we’ll look at each memorial every two years to see if they need further restoring. We’ll continue to apply for grants from the War Memorials Trust to help with the works, and we’re very grateful for its support so far.
“Our memorials are much loved and respected by local residents and are an important part of our heritage. Our long-term approach will make sure they remain in our community for many years to come as a way of remembering those who sacrificed their lives in war or conflict.”
The council is putting the finishing touches to the new ‘For King and Country’ exhibition at Bankfield Museum, which opens on August 2 to commemorate Calderdale’s wartime contribution and experiences, along with a series of free events.
the top floor gallery is being transformed and much of the exhibition (which is free to visit) will be based on First World War stories that have been passed down to local people through the generations.
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