GRANT funding has brought Holsworthy another step closer to its dream of becoming the first Devon Poppy Town.

‘Holsworthy World War One 100 years — to the Memory of the Fallen and the Future of the Living’ will be a town-wide project, which aims to commemorate the end of WWI and remember those from Holsworthy who were among the fallen.

Now plans can get underway, the mayor is urging the public to support the project by sponsoring a tree in the ‘WWI Memorial Tree Trail’.

The mayor thanked the town clerk, Vanessa Saunders, during the full town council meeting on Wednesday, July 4, for her hard work in securing grant funding of £10,000 to go towards the council’s WWI project.

Cllr Hutchings said: “Firstly I would like to thank Vanessa for the hard work she has put in putting together our grant applications. We are delighted to announce that we have been awarded £10,000 towards our £20,000 target.”

He asked for the councillors’ approval that the council could begin spending the money but added there would be a second meeting soon to discuss how the money was allocated. This was accepted unanimously by the council.

Cllr Hutchings said in particular the council would like the public to support its WWI Memorial Tree Trail, which will be planted by the town council in the Stanhope Park. Thirty-nine trees will be planted, dotted around the park, remembering the 39 local servicemen who died during the war. A 40th will also be planted, this will be a mature apple tree planted for those that survived and those that lived through it — symbolising the future of the living. Each tree will have a plaque, with the photograph if possible, bearing the name and brief history of the deceased with the 40th tree having a large silhouette plaque of the ‘Silent Soldier’, which will be produced by the local Men’s Shed group. There will also be at the entrance to the park an information board about the tree trail and why it was created and who contributed to the project. The information on the board will also be contained on a leaflet which will also be obtainable online and via the town council and museum websites. It is hoped that local businesses, organisations, parish councils and individuals will help towards the costs of the trees by sponsoring a tree at a cost of £250 each — each sponsor will have their names/logos displayed on the plaque that accompanies the tree they sponsored. This has already proved popular, with some trees already being sponsored, but if anyone is interested in becoming a ‘tree sponsor’ they are advised to contact the town council as soon as possible on 01409 253312 or by email on [email protected] to avoid disappointment.