Restoration work under way at Paignton war memorial

Paignton’s war memorial is being given a makeover.

Work is well underway to clean and improve the Palace Avenue memorial and its surroundings.

Torbay Council and SWISCo are working alongside the Paignton Branch of the Royal British Legion, and the Paignton and Preston Community Partnership to complete this important project.

The Royal British Legion temporarily removed the tributes and wreaths from the site last month. The plaques on the memorial were being cleaned and restored, before the chains in the memorial were improved.

Further improvement works to the War Memorial, and the Palace Avenue Gardens were planned for this month.

Further restoration of the plaques and ironwork are planned, as well as reducing the growth of the surrounding trees, to improve the lighting and aesthetic of the park. 

Jackie Thomas, Cabinet Member for Tourism, Culture and Events, and Corporate Services, said: “The War Memorial on Palace Avenue is a proud landmark of Paignton, and we’ve always been committed to preserving its beauty and significance. These works are part of our efforts to honour those who served our country, and ensure the memorial remains a suitable tribute for generations to come. 

“We are grateful to the Royal British Legion, and the Paignton and Preston Community Partnership for their help during the refurbishment.”

Gerard Sarsfield, Chairman of the Paignton branch of the Royal British Legion, said:

“The refurbishment of Paignton War Memorial is fantastic news. It shows the council's commitment to ensuring the legacy to the Fallen of Paignton and the sacrifices made by so many local families.

“The War Memorial, although initially dedicated to those of both World Wars, stands as a reminder to the dedication of all our Armed Forces Community in the service of our country. 

I would like to thank the council, Paignton and Preston Community Partnership, SWISCo and their contractors for making this happen. This ensures the Memorial will be a centre of Paignton Remembrance for now and the future.”

The War Memorial in Palace Avenue was first unveiled in June 1921. It features a two-stepped base supporting a square plinth and an obelisk. Bronze plaques bearing inscriptions are mounted on the sides of the plinth, commemorating those who served in the First World War, Second World War, and Korean War.

Torbay Council thanks Paignton Heritage Society and War Memorials Online for the information about the history of the memorial.

Kevin Foster has been helping with the facelift and says: “As a member of Paignton Branch of the Royal British Legion, just before Christmas I offered to help bring together work on getting a much needed refurbishment of the War Memorial underway. Over the last month major progress has been made.

“400 men are named on the Memorial who lost their lives in the service of our country. The Memorial to their sacrifice is now in superb condition ahead of Remembrance in the year we mark 80 years since the end of World War 2.”

The Legion is always looking for new volunteers who can make a difference, especially with the Poppy Appeal.

More details here: https://lnkd.in/eQrWxQst