Leeds community's war memorial is back to its best

Kippax war memorial, pictured in December last year.

The site, which stands off Park Avenue, has acted as a focal point for residents young and old for decades but in recent years had started showing signs of wear and tear.

As previously reported by the Yorkshire Evening Post, a Kippax Parish Council-led scheme got the memorial cleaned up in time for the 2015 Remembrance commemorations.

Improvement work was then carried out to pathways in its grounds, with new gates also being put in place.

And this week the latest stage of the project will see a commemorative seat being installed at the site.

Funds for the seat have come from sponsors including Wm Dodgson & Son Funeral Directors, Kippax Methodist Church and members of the Royal British Legion.

Leeds City Council’s parks and countryside department and the Groundwork Leeds environmental charity have been among the supporters of the scheme as a whole.

Kippax Parish Council chairman Coun Doug Morley told the YEP: “The war memorial is a very important feature in our community and it’s good to see it looking back to its best.

“It’s been a real team effort and we’re ever so grateful to everyone that has helped out.”

One last piece of work at the memorial will see a lectern-style information board being added to its grounds.

Meanwhile, Kippax Parish Council will be lighting a beacon on Thursday, April 21, to celebrate the Queen’s 90th birthday.

The event will take place at 7.15pm at Manor Garth Hill, known locally as Cheney Basin.

All are welcome to attend. Anyone interested in helping with organisational duties is asked to contact the parish council.