Talk of the town hall - Celebrate the return of Old Bill
Oct 24 2008
By Cllr Marcus Jones, leader of Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council
WHEN I first heard the news that the Boer War memorial statue in Coton Road had been stolen I was shocked and appalled that thieves could stoop so low as to resort to stealing a memorial dedicated to people who had given their lives for their country.
From the outpouring of public feeling since the statue was stolen it’s quite obvious that many other residents in Nuneaton and Bedworth feel the same way.
What followed the theft of the statue was an overwhelming response by our residents who have shown how deeply they care for our heritage.
In all more than £20,000 has been donated by residents, local groups and business, and on behalf of the borough council I would like to thank each and every one of you who has given their donations towards the statue appeal.
My particular thanks also goes to those who have served on the committee set up to replace our lost statue, this included representatives from the ex-service community, the Tribune, councillors and local builder Ian Neale.
And to the many volunteers, most of which were from our ex-service community who led much of the fundraising.
After much hard work over many months by all involved, I am delighted to report that the statue had been sculpted, its plinth moved to its new home in the sunken garden in Riversley Park.
The statue will be installed this week and in place for a dedication service in Riversley Park this Sunday, at 2.30pm.
Without the help of you, our residents, it would not have been possible to recreate this famous Nuneaton monument.
And I am extremely proud that the residents of our borough care so much, what has been achieved is a real community triumph.
So I would call on those residents who gave so generously to come down to the park on Sunday to see the dedication service and celebrate the return of Old Bill.
