RESTORATIVE works have been carried out on World War One war memorials in the Post area under the Devon Remembers Grant Scheme.

Among those to benefit were: Petrockstowe St Peters Church received £1,310.40 to clean, correct and add names; Holsworthy parish church received £1,026 for cleaning and refurbishment; Ashwater village green received £862.20 for cleaning and refurbishment; West Putford lych gate received £3,000 for the repair of the lych gate and a repaint; Germansweek memorial garden received £3,000 to renew the railings around the garden and for cleaning; and Clawton centre received £277.50 to repair the base, clean and repaint.

Communities have worked hard to carry out renovations and maintenance in time to mark 100 years since the end of World War One. The work has been funded by Devon County Council as part of their Devon Remembers project, which saw £150,000 made available from the sale of Exeter Airport.  

The scheme has helped to renew 77 memorials dedicated to the county’s fallen war heroes, from traditional granite crosses and stone pillars to wooden plaques and clock towers.

Cllr Roger Croad, Devon County Council’s cabinet member for communities, said: “These war memorials, and the rituals of remembrance surrounding them, serve to remind us that thousands of people from Devon once rallied to a cause they believed to be greater than themselves and made the ultimate sacrifice, giving their lives for our freedom. 

“In many communities they are a prominent visual connection to our shared past, creating a link between the fallen and today. It is vital that we remember and honour them, particularly during this centenary year.”