War Memorial Restoration Project to start in 2012 (photos)

[Kintyre Forum News]

I copied this from the Courier - I thought it was an article that deserved highlighting. With some photos I took yesterday.

Restoration Project moves Forward

Campbeltown’s War Memorial is the focal point for the town’s Rememberance Day ceremony to honour the war dead.

Argyll & Bute Council and the town’s branch of the Royal British Legion Scotland (RBLS) are working together to restore the impressive monument, which stands at the head of Campbeltown Loch on the esplanade.

Argyll First councillor, Donald Kelly said “I am pleased that we are finally moving forward with this project, The war memorial is a very important and significant structure, which means a great deal to the local community. This joint venture to restore the memorial should start early next summer (2012).” He added “At this time the weather window for the specialist pointing work which is required will be at its peak. In the short term we have arranged for a cleaning programme to begin”

The hope is that businesses and individuals in the town will donate to the restoration fund. George Rahman, Chairman of the RBLS Campbeltown branch said “Work on the town’s war memorial on Kinloch Green will start around April 2012. The Campbeltown branch will be working closely with Argyll & Bute Council to restore the war memorial. Many years of exposure to the elements have taken its toll on the memorial and major restoration work needs to be carried out. There is a major problem with water ingress and this will need to be tackled first with the cleaning and re-pointing using lime mortar. Apart from the obvious damage to the panels, the names are slowly being worn away and will need to be replaced. The paving and paths around the memorial also need attention to allow for better access. After cleaning and re-pointing using lime mortar, the existing panels will be replaced with a dark grey marble style stone with the names etched in gold. Ground work will have to be carried out to allow easy access for wheelchair users.”

George added “Raised flowerbeds will allow the planting of flowers and shrubs; this will enhance the overall look of the ground around the memorial. Benches will be placed inside the grounds for use by members of the public and visitors. Also being considered is the possible removal of the existing hedge and replacing it with black decorative railings. These would be painted black and stand approximately 1.30 meters high with gold arrow tips; there would be double and single gates, decorated with poppies. The memorial is also to be lighted up; at night it will stand as a beacon in the centre of the town to remember all those who paid the ultimate sacrifice”

The war memorial is an important part of our town’s heritage and must be preserved. This work will be costly. RBLS Campbeltown Branch will be looking for ways of raising money for the restoration works. Any business, organisation or individuals willing to help please contact Mr Rahman at georgerahman1@sky.com

[Ship called Dignity]

The restoration project is a great idea for what must be one of the most iconic war memorials on the west coast of Scotland. The situation alone is so apt. However, I pass it two or three times each day and you just take if for granted. Its only on closer inspection do you realise how badly restoration work is needed on it. I must look into it more but I believe I have two great uncles whose names are on it and were killed in the 2nd WWII.

Does anyone know the history of the War Memorial? When it was built etc? I assume the memorials for the WWII victims were added later?

I found the following link that shows the names in better detail http://www.ralstongenealogy.com/campbeltown.htm

Also interesting thread on this forum here - http://warmemscot.s4.bizhat.com/warmems ... ic475.html where it highlights 2,000 people wanted it sited on the Quarry Green.

It looks like there was quite a bit of debate about the position of the war memorial in Campbeltown from a small ‘Scotsman’ newspaper article from 1922. It is sited in Kinloch Park but before it was built two thousand people wanted it to be placed at 'the Quarry' site instead. I take it this is the Quarry Green in Campbeltown which overlooks Campbeltown Loch. There doesn’t seem to be a huge difference to me over the sites, both are in parks next to the sea loch. I’m sure other articles in the local paper at the time had more detail of the pros and cons for each site.

‘The Scotsman’ - Tuesday, 2nd May 1922, page 6

Campbeltown

The war memorial Committee has decided by 17 to 4 votes to adhere to the original site in Kinloch Park chosen for the town and parish war memorial, as against the Quarry site, in favour of which a petition bearing 2000 signatures was lodged.

[argylltourist]

Although the restoration is badly needed, and improving the surrounding area with better access seems sensible,I do hope that the hedge is retained as it makes the memorial stand apart from others.Without the hedge,as a wind barrier,it would look too stark.

[Ship called Dignity]

Although the restoration is badly needed, and improving the surrounding area with better access seems sensible,I do hope that the hedge is retained as it makes the memorial stand apart from others.Without the hedge,as a wind barrier,it would look too stark.

I totally agree. To replace the hedge with fencing would be criminal.

[Mzz pasico]

I have two uncles names engraved on the sides of the War Memorial, therefore I feel I must air my opinion on the fate of the hedge surrounding the monument. I do not want to see the hedge removed, IT MUST STAY. Does anyone know as to whether there will be a meeting for members of the public to express their views on this issue.

[EMDEE]

The subject of hedge or fence has already been discussed on this forum, and the general consensus appeared to be that the hedge should remain. If this is representative of the general opinion in the locality, then there is no way that the hedge should be replaced with a fence. I would say that most of us who are from local families have relatives who are commemorated on this memorial, it is not just an anonymous artefact, and there should be consultation with the community on what is to be done with it.

viewtopic.php?f=12&t=11647&hilit=war+memorial

On the subject of the history and building of the memorial, I seem to remember hearing many years ago that the stone for it came from Davaar Island. Can anybody confirm this?

[Kintyre Forum News]

Councillor Donald Kelly contacted us to highlight that the the First phase of the reconstruction work will commence on the 12th of March 2012 with scaffolding will thereafter be erected during the month of April. The work is expected to to take six to eight weeks to complete as the stone is re-pointed to make the Memorial watertight.

Chairman of the Group Argyll First Councillor Donald Kelly said "I am pleased to have been able to keep the pressure on the Council to get this project started. We are currently working with the British Legion in an effort to secure funding for the second phase which will replace the existing Tablets at the base of the structure. As a donation to the project Mc Fadyens Contractors have agree to carry out any necessary ground work. It is my aim to have all work completed in time for this years Remembrance Parade."

Councillor Kelly also added "As the project moves forward the community will be asked to decide whether they prefer to retain the hedge or install ornamental railings." We will keep everyone in the loop here on the forum with regular updates and photos too.

[booboos]

Would councillor Kelly care to tell us who is to do the repointing work?
On making enquiries with someone at the council, it appears that a certain firm from the Central belt is doing the work. I know the directors of this company very well and when I questioned them on this project, they had no idea that they had been awarded the contract to carry out this work, so how are they expected to start the work shortly?
Also, was this work put out to tender? I know the local stonemason has been involved with this project for the last few years and had supplied budget quotations to the council and the British Legion yet wasn't contacted to supply a firm quote. Surely he would have been cheaper than using a firm from outside?
After all, it is public funds being spent!

[George Rahman]

Hi folks, just to let you all know my feelings on the last post. Right at the start of the war memorial restoration group forming I made my feelings clear that where possible local contractors and craftsmen should carry out the work on the memorial. After all it is our memorial and I felt that local contractors would be proud being involved in its restoration. I personally do not know the name of the company who are re pointing the memorial or of what the costs are. I asked Graham for a quote for the re pointing and repairing of the memorial and he gave me the quote he had given to the council maybe two years ago which the council did not action. After speaking to Donald I spoke to Graham and told him that the company doing the work had been awarded other contracts of the same type of nature around the area and this is the reason they were doing the memorial. I have no idea if this is true as I have no dealings with the council. I believe speaking to Graham that the company who are doing the work are more than capable of doing the re pointing. I am personally glad that the work is to be started on the memorial but it will take a lot of time to complete. We are talking thousands and thousands of pounds to complete the work. After reading the article in the courier on Friday “Hedge or Fence” it annoys me that the word fence is mentioned again. Do you honestly believe that a fence would be put around the memorial. How can anyone call decorative railings at a cost of approx £18,000 a fence? Look at the start of this thread and read the article that was put in the courier. Was a fence ever mentioned? A fence is what you put around your garden not around a beautiful memorial to the fallen. The money for the railings and the new panels will have to be raised by our Branch of the Legion and we will hopefully get support from the public and businesses in raising the money. I have no idea when this public consultation will take place as I have not been consulted. The sooner the better as far as I am concerned so we can get on with the restoration. If anyone finds out before me then please let me know.

[THE DODGER]

Who`s idea is it to even consider getting rid of the hedge , the hedge must stay it`s almost like a wreath laid round the memorial,if it`s decided that a fence/railing will be erected instead it would be one of the worst decision made , so who made the proposal for the fence/railing.

[gizmo]

Fence/railings, same thing.
You say it is OUR Memorial, we are surely allowed our opinion. Read through this thread, I think you will see what most folk think.
Can we have a sneak preview of the fence/railings, if we know how much they cost, we must know what they look like.
You never know, people might like them.
I personally think the hedge is part of the memorial, although I dont like change,and maybe the railings would add something.

[Ship called Dignity]

Hedge for me. 'Mon the hedges

[George Rahman]

Totally agree. Everyone who cares about the memorial should have their say. That is why we live in a democratic society. The decision about removing the hedge has not been made and will not be made by one individual. I respect the strong views of members on this forum and this is why it needs to be discussed. I think it is terrible that the memorial has never been maintained and it is in such a poor state. I welcome your views on the rest of the restoration works i.e. Replacing panels, lighting etc? I personally feel that the hedge is looking scruffy and needs tidied up. It is full of large holes which are unsightly and it collects a lot of rubbish at its base. Can these large holes be replanted? Can the council guarantee that the hedge will be cut on a regular basis during the summer months and the rubbish which collects is removed? Your views are important and welcomed by myself as it is important we know what people think about the restoration. I strongly believe that everyone agrees that the work on the main structure needs to be carried out? As a restoration group we need your opinions. Here is one idea which may be a good compromise. At the moment the front of the memorial is open and unfortunately not all dog owners in this town are responsible and often dogs foul within the area. Could a solution be to place railings and gates across the front of the memorial to close it in? I think it would certainly enhance the look of the memorial? I look forward to your constructive views.

[John S]

Given the importance of the memorial I would have thought that some level of consultation around the plans would have identified the strength of public feeling for the hedge one way or the other. The picture at the top of the thread shows the hedge at its best but in the past it has been subject to vandalism and neglect. Have to say hedges win for me every time - environmentally, aesthetically and practically however it's not the be all and end all and should not detract from the good works being done.

[gizmo]

I think George's idea of putting a suitable railing with a self closing gate along the front makes good sense and could add something to the memorial.