Featherstone: Artwork to pay tribute to fallen heroes

Soldiers who lost their lives in the First World War will be given an artistic tribute at a memorial garden.
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School children planted more than 300 trees at Mill Pond Meadows in Featherstone last year. Each one marks a soldier from the town who lost his life fighting for their country.

Now, the Featherstone Memorial Wood, off Wakefield Road, will be completed with a piece of reflective artwork.

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And Coun Margaret Isherwood, who started the memorial project, said she hopes it will add to the lasting tribute for the men who paid the ultimate sacrifice.

She said: “The memorial garden has proved very popular because it tells the history of our people, the 357 men who went to the First World War and never came back.

“There is already a lot of interest from people young and old and once this artwork is finished it will make Mill Pond Meadows a lovely gateway to Featherstone.

“We felt we needed to have somewhere to commemorate our fallen and we hope the artwork will help to attract people in to have a walk round and have a look at what the wood is all about and to reflect.”

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Each memorial tree is adorned with a marker, which includes a poppy, photograph and information about the fallen soldier. The plaques were researched by local schoolchildren, who visit the wood to learn more about the history of the area.

Artists Cod Steaks have been selected to create the new artwork surrounding the trees.

And Coun Isherwood is asking members of the community about what ideas they have for the site.

She said: “We want to consult with people to get their ideas on what they would like to see down there and where they would like the artwork to be on the site.”

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Cod Steaks are running a series of workshops to involve people in the design process and Coun Isherwood said they would be talking to members of the public about the plans.

She said: “It has been a very inclusive project so far and that is the way we want to continue it to go. We want this to be a Featherstone tribute for Featherstone people and by Featherstone people.”

To take part in the workshops or share your ideas for the wood artwork, visit www.featherstone-tc.gov.uk/ or call in to Featherstone Town Hall.