Saintfield War Memorial Proposal Is Progressing

TUV representative John Brennan was welcomed the latest moves to secure a war memorial for Saintfield.

He said: “Many people in and around Saintfield felt that it would be appropriate for Saintfield to have its own war memorial. This resulted in the formation of the Saintfield War Memorial committee. For the last two years they have been working behind the scenes fundraising and planning the logistics of the project.

[caption id="attachment_59817" align="alignleft" width="390"]David Johnston receives a  a cheque to John Brennan towards the Saintfield War Memorial fund. David Johnston receives a a cheque to John Brennan towards the Saintfield War Memorial fund.[/caption]

“In recent years acts of remembrance were carried out in the village through the churches on Remembrance Sunday and Orange Order who laid a wreath outside the Orange Hall. The committee has received much support from the community including from the Strangford South Branch of Traditional Unionist Voice.

“Around a third of Strangford South Branch members are ex-servicemen and recently I suggested that the branch should organise a fundraiser to help the committee raise the funds needed to erect the War Memorial and had some ladies’ poppy brooches made which myself and members sold to their families and friends.  They also attended a few local markets with the brooches. The Branch was able to present a £400 cheque to the Saintfield War Memorial committee treasurer, David Johnston.” John Brennan added: “I am delighted at how successful the fundraiser had been especially as so many local people have been so supportive. We are looking forward to seeing the War Memorial which extends to approximately two metres tall occupying a commanding position in the village.” On receiving the cheque, David Johnston said he was delighted to accept the cheque on behalf of the War Memorial Committee and thanked the local TUV Branch for their continued support. He added that for the past two years progress has been steady and it is planned that the unveiling of the Memorial will take place in early 2016.

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