Ashington Honours World War II Fallen with Memorial Arboretum
A project is being developed in Ashington in preparation of the 80th Anniversary of the ending of World War II in 2025.
Ashington Cricket Club being supported by Ashington Town Council, is working with the Royal British Legion and Reiverdale Scout Group on the project. The plan is to place a personalised commemorative plaque alongside 175 trees commemorating the individual service members from Ashington, who made the ultimate sacrifice in the war.
The trees in the Cricket Club ground and surrounding area were planted after World War II in memory of each person from the town who lost their life in the war. The project will enhance the existing memorial trees as well as planting new trees to replace trees damaged and lost over the years.
"Ashington took devastating losses in World War II, with 175 of our brave residents giving their lives in service to their country," said Cllr Mark Purvis, Chair of Ashington Town Council. "This memorial arboretum will ensure their noble sacrifices are forever remembered with a living tribute in our community."
At their meeting last Tuesday, Ashington Town Council, who developed the nearby Ashington Memorial Garden, agreed to support the partnership with the Cricket Club, Reiverdale Scout Group, and the Royal British Legion in providing a living memorial honouring the town's fallen heroes of World War II. The Scouts will participate by assisting with historical research on the names and to ensure all are accurately represented on the plaques as well as assisting in planting the new trees.
"Ashington Cricket Club is honoured to be leading on the project, enhancing the legacy of our town's fallen warriors. The Club is fully aware of the history and as part of the project we plan to improve and incorporate more ecological measures into the wooded area around the cricket pitch,” commented Steve Storey, Chair of Ashington Cricket Club.
Marjorie Chambers, Chair of Ashington Royal British Legion, adds “2025 is a significant year in marking the 80th anniversary of the ending of WWII. The project will ensure these brave individuals from our town are properly commemorated and is of utmost importance to the Royal British Legion. This arboretum will allow us to pay respect to their immense sacrifice for decades to come."
Ashington has consistently demonstrated its commitment to remembering its war heroes through projects like the Ashington Memorial Garden and the large turnouts seen on Remembrance Sunday. The Town Council Assets and Development Manager, Stephen Humphrey will work with Ashington Cricket Club in coordinating the project and supporting applications for external funding.
"We owe an incredible debt of gratitude to Ashington's World War II fallen that can never be repaid, but hopefully this living memorial will show their sacrifices are still cherished by future generations. This new Memorial Arboretum will further that respect." Cllr Mark Purvis concluded.
Fundraising for the project will commence shortly and if successful an event will take place in May next year to mark the anniversary of the ending of the war and the unveiling of the plaques.
