A SERVICE of rededication took place at the Brentwood WarMemorial on Sunday following its Pounds 50,0 00 renovation.
The landmark now respectfully honours the names of the fallenfrom both world wars once again, and was surrounded by a large crowdof veterans, servicemen and cadets who bowed their heads in prayerto remember those who paid the ultimate sacrifice. Led by theReverend David Gilchrist and organised by the Brentwood and DistrictRoyal British Legion (BDRBL), the 30-minute service was poignantthroughout, stirring emotions as The Last Post played out.
It has taken 11 years of campaigning by the legion to get thestonework, which had fallen foul of frost and neglect, repaired.
Glory Brentwood Legion president, Les Paddon, is delighted themonument has been restored to its former glory. He said: "It's beena long time getting this monument cleaned up. It was virtuallydecayed, the plate names from the 1914-18 victims were falling offwith the frost.
"We were beginning to worry because money is tightening up.
"For a town as big as Brentwood, which used to be a military townand home of the Essex Regiment, it's so important.
"In this day and age we have been lucky that we have not lostanyone from the town [recently], but if that had happened, it wouldhave been embarrassing had they used it in the memorial of them."
The congregation included the Mayor and members of the BDRBL, theRAF Association, the Royal Navy Association and the Sea Cadets.
The refurbishment was funded by the Assizes Trust Fund, a pot ofcash held by Brentwood Borough Council for supported worthwhilecommunity causes.
The work was carried out by stonemasons Bakers of Danbury, andcompleted in October last year.
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