Decision details

The purpose of this report is to advise members of the proposals for commemorating the centenary of the end of World War 1 later this year.

A number of events, including the unveiling of a commemoration stone, took place in Fareham during the summer of 2014 to mark the centenary of the start of World War 1.

At the 06 November 2017 Executive meeting, it was agreed that a decision on a proposed mural to commemorate the centenary of the end of World War 1 in 2018 would be deferred as there were concerns over its durability and officers were asked to explore alternative options.

Officers have now identified two proposals as stated below:

(i)            Commemoration stone to be erected in the pedestrian area of West Street with a Civic unveiling event to take place during Autumn half-term; and

(ii)          Silent Soldier sculptures to be erected in five locations across the Borough that have a connection to World War 1.

There will be opportunities for residents to take part in activities linked to the unveiling of the commemoration stone in the town centre.

RESOLVED that the Executive:

(a)  agrees that a Commemoration stone be erected in West Street to commemorate the centenary of the end of World War 1;

(b)  agrees that eight Silent Soldier sculptures be erected across the Borough in the five previous CAT areas;

(c)  chooses the following sites in each of the old CAT areas, from the options presented in the briefing paper, to locate Silent Soldier sculptures at Fareham Train Station, Holy Trinity Church War Memorial, Portchester Memorial Column, Titchfield Parish Rooms, Stubbington Green War Memorial, St Paul’s Church Sarisbury Green and Warsash War Memorial;

(d)  agrees that one Silent Soldier sculpture be kept in reserve; and

(e)  agrees that the project will be funded from 2017/18 underspends to the sum of £10,250.