Work is underway across Oldham to improve war memorials ahead of Remembrance events next month.
Among the work will be the addition of 42 names that were missing from the memorial in Royton Park, a new flagpole in Royton and heritage work to the Pots & Pans memorial.
All memorial spaces will also see a general clean-up with litter removed, graffiti addressed and flower beds tidied. While these types of grounds maintenance regularly take place as part of a routine programme of work, special attention is given to the cenotaphs, monuments and spaces at this time in preparation for residents paying their respects.
The Royton War Memorial
It was discovered that 32 WWI and 10 WWII soldiers from Royton weren’t remembered on the Royton Park War Memorial, following some fantastic research by the Royton branch of the Royal British Legion. The names of these heroes are being added to the granite monument which has been funded by the Leader’s budget. A new flagpole is also being erected within the flower beds.
Cllr Amanda Chadderton, Leader of Oldham Council, said: “Oldham has a proud history of acknowledging and celebrating our brave men and women, and I’m pleased to have been able to fund the work which will see more of our heroes remembered.
“In addition to the names being etched onto the granite monument, new wires have been installed that will allow memorial wreaths to be safely secured. There will also be a new flagpole erected.”
The addition of the 42 names is scheduled take place prior to Remembrance Sunday on 14 November, weather permitting.
Saddleworth ‘Pots & Pans’ War Memorial.
The Pots & Pans memorial in Saddleworth is undergoing a tidy and ongoing treatment to dull the graffiti in line with approved conservation techniques running up to Remembrance Sunday.
Work to repair the pointing, surrounding stonework and re-attach the bronze plaques is also being programmed, following advice from heritage specialists. Weather permitting, this work should be completed in time for the 100-year anniversary in 2023.
