THE OFFICIAL unveiling of the new LED floodlighting on St Anne’s War Memorial in Bewdley took place yesterday evening (Monday).
The long-awaited permanent lighting, which offers different colours, has now been completed, along with a dusk till dawn time clock – all powered by a newly-installed feeder pillar.
St Anne’s War Memorial is owned and maintained by Bewdley Town Council which had it restored last year.
Bewdley Town Council worked with stone specialist Steve Allard and Sons and the National Grid to carry out necessary work and connections on the permanent lighting.
The project was fully funded by Bewdley Town Council.
A town council spokesperson said it was pleased to deliver this improvement within the planned time frame ahead of schedule.
“The new lighting ensures the War Memorial remains a visible and respectful focal point throughout the year, that the names engraved here are never in darkness.
“It reminds anyone passing by, at any hour, of the courage, service, and sacrifice of those who came before us.
“It strengthens our commitment to honouring their memory not just on Remembrance Sunday, but every day of the year.”
The Inaugural Lighting on Monday marked the completion of the project and enabled residents, local organisations, and veterans’ representatives to see first-hand the enhancements.
The offered the community a moment to gather, reflect and see the memorial illuminated for the first time in its new permanent form.
Speaking on Monday night, the Mayor of Bewdley, Coun Nicole Harper said it was an honour to switch on the lights.
“It was previously lit for commemorative events, like Remembrance Day, VE Day etc but when the Royal British Legion approached us about permanent lighting, it was quickly approved and then the funding was voted and work completed in time for tonight’s event.
“The light really enhances the view of the monument and of the recently cleaned church.
“It is set on a timer from dusk to dawn and will help to remind us of the debt we owe to those Bewdley people who lost their lives in conflicts.”
She thanked all of the Bewdley residents who went along to watch the ceremony.
Coun Paul Gittins MBE, chairman of the Bewdley Royal British Legion, said: “I have been campaigning to get permanent lights on the memorial since I have been on the council.
“There were problems getting electricity to it initially, but that has now been sorted.
“It is important to remember all the people from Bewdley who made the final sacrifice – there are 105 names on the memorial and some of them still have relatives in the town.
“We put fresh flowers on the memorial every week and now the new lights have topped it all off.”
