Tynemouth "delighted" over Boer War memorial restoration

Tynemouth locals are “delighted” by the news the town’s Boer War memorial is set for refurbishment ahead of Remembrance Sunday, says councillor.

North Tyneside Council, in partnership with the War Memorials Trust and Historic England, has announced the restoration of Tynemouth’s Boer War memorial in the village green. The restoration forms part of a wider refurbishment programme across North Tyneside.

The Grade II listed memorial will undergo cleaning, stabilising, crack repairs, the replacement of weathered decoration, and the restoration of bronze plaques.

Tory councillor for Tynemouth, Lewis Bartoli said: “I am delighted by this, it is a great scheme and I have been working for this for years and having looked at the plans it looks like a really comprehensive and professional job and I know from speaking to other residents they are also delighted by it.”

Coun Bartoli went on to say that he felt it was a “shame” the memorial had fallen into its current state. The restorations follow a £100,000 investment in 2018/2019, in which 22 local memorials were restored with the War Memorials Trust and Historic England.

Andy Newman, North Tyneside's Armed Forces Champion and Labour councillor for Wallsend, added: “I am absolutely thrilled that these works will commence, North Tyneside Council has always been committed to ensuring our war memorials are maintained, many, however, are old such as the Boar War memorial which is over 100 years old and understandably in a fragile state."

Coun Newman continued: “These works once again show the council's commitment to honouring our armed forces community and ensuring that these monuments remain an important part of our community, my heart-filled thanks go out to all involved in this important project.”

Frances Moreton, Director of War Memorials Trust said, “War memorials remind us all of the millions of lives ended, or impacted, by conflict. Preserving them not only ensures we continue to commemorate them but also shows future generations the consequences of war and encourages them to avoid such suffering.

"War Memorials Trust was delighted to award this project a grant. The charity hopes the work will help ensure its future as a focal point for commemoration. Anyone concerned about any other war memorials that might need help should contact the charity, or if you believe it is important to preserve our war memorial heritage please make a donation to help us protect them.”

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