A campaign has been launched to provide a new war memorial in a Suffolk village ready to mark the centenary of the end of the First World War in November this year.
The campaign follows calls by residents in Red Lodge, who are keen to see a more appropriate war memorial than is currently in place in the village to mark the sacrifice of local people in all conflicts.
A group, made up of representatives of Forest Heath District Council, Red Lodge Parish Council, as well as St Christopher’s School and church, are leading the fundraising.
The group has already found funding from grants up to £17,000 but need a further £1,000 to meet the full cost of the memorial project.
A JustGiving fundraising page has been set up to raise the extra £1,000 for the new memorial in time for this year’s Remembrance activities.
Lance Stanbury, who represents Red Lodge at Forest Heath District Council, and is Chairman of the War Memorial Committee, said: “While the village does have a memorial at the Millennium Centre, it is small and, rightly, our local community wants a more appropriate one to properly mark the sacrifice made by local people in all conflicts since World War One.
“This is a collective community project and we want to see the memorial installed ready to commemorate the centenary of the end of World War One on November 11.
“While Red Lodge is a new community, current and future generations want to show their respect and remember the fallen at a fitting memorial and I hope that, through local support, we can achieve that aim.
“We have set up an online fundraising page to make it easier for people donate.
“No matter how big or small the amount it will help us honour those who, for our tomorrow they gave their today.”
The total number of military and civilian casualties in World War One was more than 41 million.
There were around 20m deaths and 21m wounded.
This ranks the conflict as among the most deadliest in human history.
Anyone who is interested in the project or who wishes to donate can visit www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/red-lodge-war-memorial
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