Bid to raise £5,000 for permanent memorial in honour of Long Clawson war heroes

Members of the Long Clawson Christians Together group are seeking funds for the memorial which would be positioned on the village green at The Sands.

Long Clawson Christians Together are a group of people from three village congregations (Baptists, Methodists and Church of England) who meet regularly to plan shared events and activities, such as a kids’ club, men’s breakfast, carol singing and an annual summer holiday club for five to 11-year-olds.

Pastor Eric Moxham, leader of the group, has lived in the village all his life.

He said: “A growing number of villagers have expressed their surprise over the last few years that Long Clawson has no war memorial.

“There are only two rolls of honour, one in the Anglican church and the other in the Methodist church.

“Clawson Christians Together have held a village act of remembrance service on each Remembrance Sunday for the last six years.

“This event has been increasingly well attended but we have no focus. We just have a poppy wreath which is put by the Long Clawson sign.

“In addition to the year-round presence a village memorial would be a fitting focal point for such events.”

He added: “A stone memorial would be to remember all those of the village who have given service in conflict and in the cause of freedom, and honour those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.

“Such a memorial would also be a fitting way for the village to draw the attention of a younger generation, including children who attend the village school, to the service and sacrifice of those who have gone before them.

“The selected wording would seek to honour ‘service’ alongside ‘sacrifice’ and for that reason individual names will not be inscribed.

“Help is urgently needed with raising the funds to cover the costs. We’re just beginning to see money coming in and any donations would be greatly appreciated.”

Donations to the memorial project can be sent to pastor Eric Moxham at 1 Claxton Rise, Long Clawson, LE14 4PH.

Cheques should be made payable to ‘Long Clawson Baptist Church.’