Norfolk town's 20-year battle for memorial finally ends

A memorial stone will be revealed at St Mary's Church in Reepham this Saturday, after 20 years of campaigning for it to be built.

It will commemorate all those from Reepham and the surrounding area who served in both the World Wars, as well as those who have lost their lives in public service.

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Currently, 28 soldiers who fought in either the First or Second World War are believed to have left the area and never returned.

Their names are inscribed in remembrance on boards at St Mary's church. 

Trevor Bevan, chairman of the Reepham and district branch of the Royal British Legion, has been involved in campaigning for the town to have a memorial for the last 20 years.

He said: "This is an important moment for the town. This memorial will honour all those who have given their lives in the service of their country, not just those who died during warfare. 

St Mary's church where the memorial stone will be revealed. (Image: Google Maps)
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The community memorial will not only honour those who served during the World Wars, it will also pay tribute to those in non-military service including police officers and firefighters.

"It will provide an important focus for everyone in the Reepham area who has suffered a loss in this way," said Mr Bevan.

“We are so grateful to Reepham’s residents and other supporters who have backed the campaign and made it at last possible for us to have a community memorial here," he said.

Money for the new memorial was raised through donations, while funding for the refurbishment of the area, including new turf, landscaping and planting was provided by Broadland District Council.

All are welcomed to the unveiling ceremony, which will take place on June 15, at 2.30pm and will be followed by a short reception at St Michael's Church hall.