Memorial Plaque Unveiling – Clun Branch Royal British Legion

Last month Deputy-Lieutenant Katherine Garnier was honoured to join members of the Clun community for a short Ceremony of Remembrance held to mark the unveiling of a new memorial plaque.  The plaque was designed and commissioned by members of the Clun Branch of the Royal British Legion to commemorate veterans involved in, or affected by,  war or conflict.  Although there is a First World War Memorial at St George’s Church, there is no focal point in the town where people can remember and respect the sacrifice of those who died, fought, participated in or suffer from the aftermath of conflict, past and present.  

The bespoke plaque, which was created by a family firm in Sheffield,  is made of steel with a black powder coating.  It represents all three services of His Majesty’s Armed Forces – Navy, Army and Air Force and is now displayed on a wall outside the Clun Memorial Hall overlooking the newly restored playing fields.  This was agreed to be the most appropriate site as the original Memorial Hall was built by veterans of WW1.  

RBL Chairman Bob Jameson, welcomed all those present before a Dedication was made by branch Padre Robert Payne.  The Kohima was recited following a one minute silence then Mrs Garnier performed the official unveiling.  She thanked the branch for arranging such a very special ceremony and for the hard work and attention to detail involved in creating the plaque.  She went on to say how important it is that new memorials continue to be erected, explaining that ‘The effects of war are long lasting, and we are still working towards understanding the full impact of war and service on the veterans.  What we do know however, is that acknowledgment  and support is key and by unveiling this plaque today we have provided the recognition the men and women of the armed forces and their families deserve’.   

Photo;
Left to right
Revd Robert Payne – Branch Padre
Bob Jameson – Chairman RBL Clun Branch
Katherine Garnier – DL
Steve Arnold – Standard Bearer