War memorial restoration takes a step closer

9:47pm Thursday 15th May 2008

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PLANS to restore war memorial trees in memory of First World War soldiers from Tylers Green took a step closer this evening.

In 1937, 30 trees and plaques were planted in the area to remember those who had died during the war.

But some of the trees seemed to have been cut down or disappeared and just two plaques remain.

So Chepping Wycombe Parish Council, along with Penn and Tylers Green Residents Association, the Royal British Legion and residents Russell and Christine Read, decided to restore the memorial.

It is hoped the new plaques, which will be engraved in a special type of plastic, will be in place by this year's Armistice Day in November, with the trees also being planted in the coming winter.

The money for the trees, plaques and an accompanying information board, has already been made available.

So Mr and Mrs Read were at this evening's CWPC amenity land committee meeting to ask the council for its advice on which trees to buy and help in planting them.

The committee agreed unanimously.

Councillor Jeff Herschel said: "It is a way of bringing history back and making sure it is not lost."

But he pointed out that there was still some mystery surrounding one of the soldiers.

Cllr Herschel added: "We have his name but we do not know anything about him. The rest, we can tell his regiment and where he died, but there is just this one.

"There must be a way to find out who he is."

One of the few concerns raised by councillors was the possibility of vandalism to the plaques.

Maurice Smith, chairman of the council, believes he has the solution.

Cllr Smith said: "I think there is far less chance of it being vandalised if it says it is a memorial tree. The emphasis on the fact it is a war memorial. Even the younger people appreciate that."