It’s a long time since members of the community have been invited to a ceremony in Ringwood, but that will change on Sunday 15 August.

People are welcome to join Ringwood Town Council, the Royal British Legion, representatives of the armed forces and Churches Together to commemorate the rededication of Ringwood’s War Memorial, 100 years after it was erected in memory of those who gave their life during World War One.

The memorial went through a programme of conservation last year including repairs to the WWI and WWII Rolls of Honour, repair and re-pointing of damaged stone, treatment of the bronze sword and cleaning of the stone. This was funded in large part by a grant from War Memorials Trust.

Frances Moreton, director, War Memorials Trust said: “War memorials are a link between previous generations, ours and those who follow us. They enable us to pay tribute to the sacrifices of so many. War Memorials Trust has been delighted to support this project and assist the community to improve the condition of the war memorial. If anyone knows of any other war memorials in need of help please contact the charity or, if you believe in the importance of our work, support us as the charity can only give further grants if it raises enough money.”

The event, which will take place in the War Memorial Gardens, on the corner of Mansfield Road and Christchurch Road, will start at 11.45am with live music from the Ringwood and Burley Band. The outdoor service of rededication, which will also be live streamed to the Ringwood TV Facebook page, will follow at noon with introductions from the Mayor, Cllr Tony Ring and town clerk, Chris Wilkins.  The Rev Terry Roberts will lead the short service which will include readings from the Bible, the Last Post, prayers and the laying of flowers on the Memorial.

Live music will continue after the service.

Plans had been made for a ‘Party in the Park’ to follow the service in Carvers Recreation Ground but were cancelled last month due to uncertainties over COVID restrictions at large events.