Middlesbrough Mayor Dave Budd and All Saints’ Church’s Father Glyn Holland this week (Monday, June 20) unveiled a replacement war memorial commemorating those from Gjers Mills’ Ayresome Ironworks who made the ultimate sacrifice during the First World War.
Dozens turned out for the ceremony at Middlesbrough’s All Saints’ Church including a host of young people, councillors, MBEs, parishioners and veterans, held as part of the Heritage Lottery Fund supported ‘They answered their Country’s Call’ ‘First World War: Then and Now’ project.
The event shared stories about the First World War and included musical performances by children from Ayresome Primary School and a First World War ‘poetry slam’ by pupils from Archibald Primary School developed as part of the project.
Stuart Duffy from William Lane Foundry, who had been custodians of the original damaged plaque, also shared his experience of creating the new memorial, his own personal connections to the plaque and praised the input of the young people.
Mayor Dave Budd and Fr Glyn Holland then unveiled the replacement war memorial and dedicated the tablet – which replaced the original which was badly damaged in 2007.
A new pop-up exhibition about All Saints’ Church, the manufacturing industries and the First World War in Middlesbrough was also unveiled at the event, which will be accessible during church opening times and available for loan to colleges, libraries, museums and schools in the area.
Project Manager Dr Tosh Warwick said: “Today marks an important day for All Saints and the history of the First World War in Middlesbrough.
“The Church is in the heart of the community, had strong connections to the manufacturing industries which have shaped the town’s identity and was even referred to as the ‘ironmasters church’.
“By installing the replacement memorial in the heart of the town the HLF project has ensured that there is a tangible reminder of this important part of our heritage, whilst in working with young people and creating new community resources, a legacy for future generations is ensured.”
More information on the project can be found at https://www.facebook.com/AllSaintsFWW or by contacting history@middlesbrough.gov.uk