THE 10th anniversary of the unveiling of Watchet War Memorial has been marked by the town council with a service attended by Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Somerset Brigadier Richard Toomey.

The Mayor of Watchet, Cllr Loretta Whetlor, welcomed guests and paid tribute to three of the original war memorial trustees who had since died, her husband Michael Whetlor, Anne Cleveland, and Sara Summers.

Cllr Whetlor acknowledged and thanked the remaining trustees, and the town council which has taken over the maintenance and care of the memorial from the original project group.

Wreaths are laid at the 10th anniversary of Watchet war Memorial.
Wreaths are laid at the 10th anniversary of Watchet war Memorial. PHOTO: George Ody. ( )

Royal British legion (RBL) Somerset chairman Major Robert McDonald, from Williton, gave a short history of the creation of the war memorial and acknowledged those who had worked hard to acquire funding to ensure its sitting in a prominent position in the town, as well as the children of Knights Templar School for their efforts in producing a unique design.

Legion padre Deacon Vincent Woods conducted a service of thanks for the memorial and tributes for those whose names were on it, and for those who had helped bring the project to fruition but had since died.

Brigadier Toomey gave a vote of thanks and paid tribute to those who had given their lives during conflicts and who were named on the memorial.

Royal British Legion Somerset chairman Maj Robert Mcdonald (left) gives a short history of Watchet's War memorial during a service to mark its 10th anniversary.
Royal British Legion Somerset chairman Maj Robert Mcdonald (left) gives a short history of Watchet's War memorial during a service to mark its 10th anniversary. PHOTO: George Ody. ( )

Other attendees included Somerset Council chairman Cllr Mike Best, RBL Standard Bearer Gary Hall, Martin Summers, who is the husband of the late Sara Summers, who was archivist for the memorial and researcher of all the names and creator of the memorial books which were available to view in Watchet Methodist Church and St Decuman’s Church, Mike Cleveland, whose late wife Anne was one of the original trustees of the memorial group and who did an enormous amount of fund-raising for it.

Watchet town and Somerset unitary councillors also attended along with town council staff, Watchet Sea Cadets, pupils from Knights Templar School, the West Somerset Brass Band, and many residents of the town.

The memorial, in Harbour Road, is a Portland stone carved Celtic cross with a dove of peace in the centre with gold leaf surround.