Gotherington War Memorial
Summary of Refurbishment Project – 2022 / 2024
The Gotherington War Memorial was originally erected in 1919 to honour local residents who lost their lives during the 1914-1918 Great War. In subsequent years, additional marble plaques were installed to commemorate those who fell in later conflicts.
The construction of the memorial was financed through community donations and the support of local volunteers, who contributed to the collection, transportation, and construction of the stone monument. The site was strategically selected at the village centre, at the intersection of Malleson Road, Gretton Road, and Cleeve Road, directly opposite the Old Chapel (formerly Methodist). The official dedication took place in November 1919, with photographs and records preserved by the local History Society.
Over the years, the War Memorial underwent various minor repairs and cleaning, though the standard of these interventions varied. By approximately 2015, visible deterioration was evident due to increased traffic and prolonged exposure to weather.
Recognising the War Memorial’s significance—particularly as the focal point for the annual Remembrance Service—the Gotherington Parish Council, as the legal custodian, initiated a project to evaluate long-term preservation options for the monument.
Following a review of the Statement of Work, the scope of the refurbishment was refined to prioritise:
- Inspection and repair of the urn as required
- Comprehensive professional cleaning of the monument
- Installation of a new marble plaque on the south face
- Addition of new lead lettering to the south-facing plaque
- Replacement and repair of all damaged kerb stones at the monument’s base
- Adherence to all health and safety requirements throughout the refurbishment
The restoration was completed by 12 October 2024. A well-attended rededication service was held on 10 November 2024, with the reopening marked by local resident Jon Greenall, whose great-grandfather Albert Agg played a pivotal role in the original construction of the War Memorial in 1919.
Memorial with fence surround Memorial still with fence surround but a later date
October 2024 with new names engraved October 2024 after renovation