WELCOME TO THE WEBSITE OF THE CHARMINSTER WAR MEMORIAL RESTORATION PROJECT

PLEASE NOTE THAT WE HAVE NOW PASSED OUR TARGET AND THE FUND IS NOW CLOSED

A REDEDICATION AND REMEMBRANCE SERVICE WILL BE HELD AT 10AM ON SUNDAY 8th NOVEMBER 2009

ALL WELCOME

WHY DO WE NEED TO BE CONCERNED ABOUT OUR WAR MEMORIAL?

The Charminster War Memorial located at the entrance to St Mary`s Church is a monument which commemorates those who served and died in both the First & Second World Wars. It was erected by the local community after the First World War through money raised by local public donation. It is not owned by any organisation or individual.

Our memorial is not unique but it does represent our community’s chosen method of remembrance. Some of the names of those recorded on the memorial may only be remembered on our memorial making it important to preserve it to commemorate that individual’s sacrifice.

Our memorial is extremely important because it acts as a historical touchstone. It links the past to the present and enables people to remember and respect the sacrifice of those who died, fought, participated or were affected by conflicts. The memorial contains the names of some of the families still living within our community and this in itself offers an insight into the history of the Charminster area.

The memorial represents a focal point for remembrance both individual and collective particularly on occasions such as Remembrance Sunday or anniversary events. The sacrifices made by so many for our freedom need to be remembered and our war memorial plays a vital role in ensuring that continues.

Unfortunately, after almost 90 years of standing it is now feeling the affects of weathering on the Hamstone and many of the names are becoming illegible, whilst the stone itself is deteriorating. It is this, through your donations and hopefully grants from other organisations that will provide sufficient funding to carry out the necessary stonemasonary work. This will ensure that the memorial continues to be an important part of the Charminster area for future generations.

WHAT ARE THE AIMS OF THE PROJECT?

To seek funding for the renovation and refurbishment of the war memorial

To appoint a suitably qualified company to carry out the work

To monitor progress of the work

To arrange and hold a formal re-dedication service on completion of the project

www.charminsterwarmemorial.org.uk