CAMPAIGNERS have revealed a 100-year-old memorial to the Pershore men who fell during the Great War in the service of their country could soon find a permanent home.
The honours board made of solid English oak and which is officially listed in Imperial War Museum records was originally displayed at the former National School in Defford Road.
It was made possible with funding by the families of men from the school with one shilling being requested from each family – a considerable sum in those days.
When the school closed during the Second World War, the board which includes the names of men from long standing Pershore families such as Annis,Cosnett, Dufty, Champken, Grinnell and Palfrey, was then rescued and moved to the former Working Mens Club in the town’s High Street where it was on display until the club closed its doors for the last time five years ago.
In view of the state of the building much needed repairs and internal structural changes took place and there was a complete refurbishment of the building by its new owners.
Sadly it was at that time changes to the frontage led to the impressive Pershore Working Mens’ Club sign together with its 1847 foundation date being removed from the front of the building.
This led to growing concerns about the condition of the honours board and its uncertain future until it was rescued for a second time this time by members of the Pershore branch of the Royal British Legion. The board has since been carefully stored but in a garage awaiting its fate.
But now, following a meeting of Pershore Town Council, the honours board looks set to find a permanent home and be displayed prominently in the Pershore Cemetery Chapel where one of the recently installed stained glass windows is dedicated to the fallen of two world wars.
There is space available and subject to tests on the strength of the walls it is hoped the board may be installed in time for this year’s Remembrance Services in November.
Pershore British Legion chairman Simon Dudfield said: “Pershore Cemetery Chapel would be an ideal final resting place for this honours board and to have installation taking place before November 11th would be brilliant.
“The Royal British Legion in Pershore is proud and honoured to have saved this board from extinction, but a garage is not where it should be stored.”
