NORTHWICH’s war memorial has been rededicated in a ceremony marking the completion of lengthy improvement works.

Behind the extensive renovations were Northwich Town Council, residents, schools and societies within the community, backed by Proffitts ‘Investing in Communities’ project, the Heritage Lottery Fund and Tesco Bags of Help.

Schoolchildren, councillors, residents, members of the RBL and Northwich and District Historical Society were among those present at the rededication ceremony on Wednesday, September 12, at the gates to St Helen’s Church in Church Road.

Cllr Alison Gerrard, Northwich Town Council Mayor, said: “It was a great honour to lay a wreath on behalf of the residents of Northwich at the newly refurbished cenotaph which has been tastefully restored and enhanced, whilst at the same time is still a place for quiet reflection and respect.”

The ambitious project began in November 2014 – the only major refurbishment of the town’s war memorial since it was first built in 1925.

With the aim of protecting the structure for the future, the project also ties in with Northwich events set to mark 100 years since the end of the First World War on November 11 this year.

Terry Gamble, on behalf of the Royal British Legion, said: “It was an honour to be able to lay a wreath on behalf of the Royal British Legion.

“It was great to see the cenotaph looking so good after it has been refurbished and the new lighting adds an extra feature to the cenotaph especially when it is lit up at night.

Fellow RBL member Marshall Hunter added: “The people of Northwich should be very proud of the work done on their cenotaph.

“It is a fitting tribute as we remember all those who fell 100 years ago. The 11th of the 11th will be especially poignant this year.”

Proffitts and Northwich Town Council have passed on their thanks to all involved in the project, from residents to schools, funding bodies, contractors, and Allen Lowe for his historical knowledge.

Pupils from Witton Church Walk Primary School and Victoria Road Primary School were present at the ceremony.

The project’s main contractors were Roslee, with sub-contractor Stone Guard and Raven Forge.

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