A Lindum building project received the Royal seal of approval when it was officially unveiled by HRH, the Duke of Kent.
The Great War Memorial on Nottingham’s Victoria Embankment was opened during a moving ceremony on Friday, June 28th.
The memorial is a tribute to all 13,482 people from Nottinghamshire who lost their lives in the 1914-18 conflict, as well as civilian casualties, including nurses, two people killed in a Zeppelin air raid in September 1916 and the victims of the Chilwell shell filling factory explosion of July 1918.
Nottingham City Council appointed Lincoln-based construction company Lindum to build the monument. The project was procured through the Scape Regional Construction framework.
Lindum Director Freddie Chambers said he was honoured to be invited to the opening ceremony.
“This was a unique and poignant project to be involved in and we were delighted to be there to see it officially unveiled,” he said.
“Our team has worked hard to make sure the site was ready for the Royal guest, with site manager Andy Atkinson giving up his weekends to make sure everything was complete.
“Lindum is currently working on a number of construction projects with Nottingham City Council and this project has helped to further cement our growing relationship with the authority.”
Families of those who died in the Great War attended the unveiling and dedication service, together with Nottinghamshire’s Lord Lieutenant Sir John Peace, Nottingham City Council Leader David Mellen, Nottinghamshire County Council Leader Cllr Kay Cutts MBE, civic heads, the district and borough council leaders, the Chief Constable of Nottinghamshire Police Craig Guildford, the Chief Fire Officer John Buckley and local MPs.
The £395,000 memorial has been constructed on the Victoria Embankment next to the memorial built between 1923 and 1927 on land bequeathed in perpetuity by Jesse Boot. It was principally funded by Nottingham City Council and Nottinghamshire County Council, along with the seven district councils and generous corporate and private donations.
“The unveiling of a memorial to the brave people of Nottinghamshire who lost their lives in the Great War is long overdue and I’m delighted that families from across the county will now have a permanent place to pay their respects to their loved ones,” Councillor Cutts said.
“I am hugely proud of Nottinghamshire’s Roll of Honour which details the 13,482 men and women, we owe each and every one of them a huge debt of gratitude.”
Councillor David Mellen, Leader of Nottingham City Council, said: “Many people have asked about a dedicated roll of honour and this monument presents an opportunity to permanently mark the centenary of the end of the Great War in a fitting and respectful manner.
“It is important to bring together a definitive list of those fallen and having one single memorial will create a focus for families and visitors that will allow them to reflect upon and commemorate their lives.
“We are proud to have worked with Nottinghamshire County Council and the seven district councils on this project.”
The service on the Victoria Embankment started at 10am with the arrival of the HRH Duke of Kent and invited guests. It was followed by the service and dedication, the Act of Remembrance, the Last Post, HRH Duke of Kent laying the first wreath, the Act of Commitment and the National Anthem.
HRH Duke of Kent then inspected the memorial and met the families present before proceedings come to an end at 11.30am.
Among the regiments taking part in the service were members of the Queen’s Colour Squadron RAF, members of the 4th Battalion Mercian Regiment, including regimental mascot Private Derby and members of HMS Sherwood. Former and current officers from Nottinghamshire Police and Royal British Legion standard bearers were also in attendance.
