SOLDIERS from Worcestershire will be remembered for centuries to come after new information boards were unveiled.
More than 80 guests, including three Second World War veterans, attended the special event held at St Peter’s Garden Centre in Norton to mark the servicemen from the Worcestershire Regiment who passed through Norton Barracks.
Five themed boards were installed around the village with the aim of informing and educating people on the battles, soldiers, The Norton Barracks, The Victoria Cross and the Commemorative Garden.
During the event, organised by the Norton Worcestershire Regiment Group, Second World War veteran Barry Freeman was presented with the Legion d’Honneur from Robert Mile, the Honorary Consul for France.
Tracey Hodgkins, from the Norton Worcestershire Regiment Group, said: “Our overarching aim from the very outset is defined in our strap line which appears on all the lecterns, ‘Helping the Community to remember’.
“As a group of volunteers, this project has tested our resilience, commitment and teamwork over the past 18 months. However, we all firmly believe in the project and the end result have been worth it.”
Tony Miller, Worcestershire County Council’s Chairman, said: “I have known Norton Barracks for well over 40 years and have had the privilege of knowing some of the serving army personnel and their families. It was humbling to meet such fine veterans that have served this country well and I know the Barracks holds fond memories as well as sad ones for many.”
The latest project in Norton was funded by the Armed Forces Covenant Fund and Severn Waste Fund, with support from Worcestershire County Council, Persimmon Homes, Wychavon District Council and the Mercian Regiment Museum.
