Forum Topic

Disappointing neglect

Very sad to see that in line with most things in Brentford, this years Remembrance Service at the Library demonstrated solidarity with the general decay and neglect of Brentford.Not even the war Memorial itself was cleaned this year. covered in green algae and all around was not swept. it is usually spick and span in readiness for the town to pay respects for those who fought and perished for a decent, respectable, proud and orderly free society.I do hope I was not the only one who noticed this, as enough who can make sure this should not have happened were present.  I felt ashamed at such a mess and if a call was put out in advance would have happily volunteered to help clean it up.

Raymond Havelock ● 2274d10 Comments

Learning about the wars is important as part of history and if and when you connect that history to members of your own family it makes it even more interesting.  It will be interesting to know if further families can claim connections.  I spent some time a while back seeing if anyone would come forward to claim a member of a flight crew buried and remembered in France as family.  No luck I think and the rest of life interrupted my bit of the search.

Philippa Bond ● 2269d

More than Happy if needs be. But it is usually spick and span every year as is the forecourt. Wet windy weather can mess that up a bit but the Memorial itself has to be washed down with care and usually LBHs people do it pretty well.

Raymond Havelock ● 2269d

Has there ever been graffiti on the memorials? I hope not - I can't say I've ever noticed it.There was an explicit call out (as per previous years) at the end of last Sunday's service for anybody who is interested in helping to arrange/sort things for next year. I'm sure the organisers that be would be glad of your input.

Anne England ● 2269d

As long as I can remember it is given a wash and brush up a week or so before. Graffiti is removed and the dirt and algae removed.As for not noticing, just go and take a look, it has not changed since last week.

Raymond Havelock ● 2270d

The Government gave substancial sums to help repair war memorials 2014 to 2018 (100 years anniversary). Grants are available from the War Memorials Trust.

Christopher Hugh Dakers ● 2273d

It is disappointing that there is no government money for preserving these memorials. The memorial ion Isleworth is coming up for its 100th Anniversary - it was funded by public donations after WW1, and some conservation work was done to preserve some of the inscriptions some years ago, again funded by grants and some public donations. The Isleworth 390 project - has just completed researching the 390 names on the memorial and also published a book on the histories of the people and families named. Some of us will be meeting with Hounslow Highways next week to see if we can come up with a plan to get the planting around the memorial renewed, as it is looking tatty. We owe the people commemorated so much the least we can do is ensure these memorials are cared for.

Vanessa Smith ● 2273d

I saw the council sweeping the area some days beforehand; in the meantime more leaves fell. The memorials should only be cleaned by experts. Look up The War Memorials Trust.

Christopher Hugh Dakers ● 2274d

You could volunteer to help next year. At the bottom of the Order of Service: Please speak to one of the Committee after the service or phone 020 8400 3796 if you are interested in keeping this Service at Brentford.I was at the service and have to say that I didn't notice the green algae or unswept leaves of which you speak. Those leaves do get everywhere though! If you feel strongly enough about this matter then you are best to contact Councillor Melvyn Collins who is named as the Councillor associated with this event.

Anne England ● 2274d

Things are changing. The old traditions are fading. Sunday was the 10th the correct day is the 11th November, most countries get off, not us. I was talking to a lady who asked me why were were celebrating a 100 years since the war ended when it ended  in 1945? I told her it was the first war. She looked at me as if I was crazy, saying, "I never heard of it". More was to come when I was on a coach and passing Bleheim Palace the coach slowed  and the driver announced over on the right is Blenheim Palace where Churchill was born. Well the man sitting in front of me asked his wife, "Who did Churchill play for never heard of him"?

Nichols Beard ● 2274d

If your local councillors were worth anything they should have chased this to insure it was ready for the service on Sunday

Gill Hutchison ● 2274d