Bronze statue of WWI soldier

During a recent Development Committee meeting, Mr Samuel McClements and Mr Noel Anderson from Ballymoney and District Cultural and Heritage Society made a presentation to update members on the Great War Commemoration Weekend in Ballymoney on 1st/2nd August and for their future plans.

The report explained: ‘Mr McClements advised that this Commemoration weekend is one of the major events taking place in the province, attracting interest from across the country.

“The events, including WWI vehicles, memorabilia, re-enactments, workshops and research projects will showcase life as it was 100 years ago to provide young people with a better understanding of the events which took place during the Great War, which started on the 4th August 1914.

‘A Service and Parade will honour and remember those who served. The Society has drawn down funding of over £30K for their event, from Council, Heritage Lottery Awards For All Fund, Community Relations Council and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Dublin

‘Mr McClements also advised of the Society’s aim to raise funds to provide a bronze statue of a WW1 soldier at the War Memorial in Ballymoney as a lasting tribute to those who lost their lives in the war.

“The statue, cast in bronze and measuring 5’8” high, has been estimated to cost of £30,000, delivered and installed.

“A Committee has been established with the aim of raising funds to purchase and install the statue before the end of October this year.’

Cllr John Finlay congratulated the group and the Head of Corporate and Development Services for the work they have done in initiating and planning this commemorative weekend and for making every effort to raise funds from various sources to support the event.

Members concurred unanimously with Cllr Finlay’s views and all added their congratulations and endorsement of the forthcoming event and the erection of a bronze statue at the War Memorial.

The Chair thanked Mr McClements and Mr Anderson for their presentation. It was agreed to recommend that the proposed statue project be tabled at the next meeting of Committee.

l More WW1 news on page 17!