August 14, 2013 3.35 pm This story is over 139 months old

War memorial gets new paint job from volunteers

Community spirit: Local residents in the Boultham area have transformed a war memorial to create greater civic pride.
Civic pride: Volunteers helped repaint the Boultham war memorial railings. Back row (L-R): Ian Durrant, Ron Everitt, Eddie Fisher and Bill Lee; front row (L-R): John Fisher, John Evison, Rodger Twigg and Steve Clark. Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

Residents in Lincoln are sprucing up the railings around the Boultham War Memorial after they were left in poor condition.

After recent road improvements on Dixon Street, including a new crossing and pedestrian safety railings, the local residents association felt that the memorial railings looked pale in comparison.

Ian Durrant, chairman of the Lincoln branch of the Home Service Force Association, offered the services of the HSFA to paint the railing themselves.

With the backing of City of Lincoln Council, who is providing the team with paint and equipment, Ian and seven other members began cleaning up the railings around the memorial on Tuesday, August 13. They are repainting the railings on Wednesday.

Admiring the roses (L-R): Rodger Twigg, Ian Durrant (HSFA Chairman), Steve Clarke, Ron Everitt, Eddie Fisher, Bill Lee (HSFA Secretary), John Fisher and John Evison. Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

Admiring the roses (L-R): Rodger Twigg, Ian Durrant (HSFA Chairman), Steve Clarke, Ron Everitt, Eddie Fisher, Bill Lee (HSFA Secretary), John Fisher and John Evison. Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

Ian Durrant said: ” The Lincoln branch of the Home Service Force Association hold a remembrance service at the Boultham War Memorial site, and have done so for the last 20 years.

“The memorial is an important feature in our residential area and is kept in a very good condition by the council.

“If we asked them to paint the railings I am sure it would have been done very quickly, but having us do it is easier, so long as we do a good job,” he added.

Jean Flannery, Chair of the Boultham Residents Association, commented: “When the condition of the railings and other metal work at Boultham War Memorial was brought to our notice, both Boultham Residents Association as representing the local community and the Lincoln Home Service Force felt strongly that this showed a real lack of respect for those remembered and honoured there.

“The City Council readily agreed to responsible volunteers carrying out the refurbishment project that will restore the respect due to those commemorated at the site. This is a true example of community spirit and civic pride in action.”