Service of Dedication of the Refurbished Histon and Impington War Memorial
1 September 2002 at 4pm
Hymn: Praise, my soul, the King of Heaven
Reading: Joshua 4: 1-7 Denis Payne, Chairman of Impington Parish
Council
1:When the whole nation had finished crossing the Jordan, the LORD said to
Joshua,
2:"Choose twelve men from among the people, one from each tribe,
3:and tell them to take up twelve stones from the middle of the Jordan from right
where the priests stood and to carry them over with you and put them down at the
place where you stay tonight."
4:So Joshua called together the twelve men he had appointed from the Israelites,
one from each tribe,
5:and said to them, "Go over before the ark of the LORD your God into the middle
of the Jordan. Each of you is to take up a stone on his shoulder, according to
the number of the tribes of the Israelites,
6:to serve as a sign among you. In the future, when your children ask you, `What
do these stones mean?'
7:tell them that the flow of the Jordan was cut off before the ark of the covenant
of the LORD. When it crossed the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off.
These stones are to be a memorial to the people of Israel for ever."
The Address: Rev Hugh McCurdy, Chaplain to Royal British Legion
Prayer of Thanksgiving
Hymn: O God, our help in ages past
The Act of Dedication
Acknowledgement of Thanks: Max Parish, Chairman of Histon Parish
Council
On 14th November 1920 at 3.15pm more than 2,000 people took part in
the unveiling ceremony and dedication of this war memorial designed and built
by a local man Mr. Bacchus at a cost of £250, which is the equivalent of
£6,500 at today's prices. The money was raised by public subscription along
with an endowment fund for the little ones who were left fatherless. The memorial
was moved to its present site in 1963, when the County Council widened the Water
Lane junction.
Over the years, the maintenance of the site has been the responsibility of
the sister Parish Councils of Histon and Impington. As has the rose garden, planted
and originally maintained by the British Legion. Three years ago it became evident
that major renovation of the stonework would be required to preserve it for future
generations. However the debate went on for many months as to how best to achieve
this, and the advice received was often confusing and conflicting.
Also, realising that the sum required would not be insignificant, and potential
contributions from outside bodies would defray some of these, our attention was
drawn to an organisation called "the Friends of War Memorials". This body, dedicated
to their preservation, was approached for advice. And from a list of experts they
provided, Histon Council commissioned a Conservator's report. This report has
been the basis on which a grant was obtained from English Heritage. As one of
the conditions for receiving this grant, the memorial is now as well a listed
monument. South Cambridgeshire District Council, who have also kindly sent a representative
here today, provided additional funds.
We would like to thank both these organisations as well as a very generous
unsolicited contribution from Mr and Mrs Thoday, in memory of one of those who
have fallen. We would also like to acknowledge the very professional way that
Rattee & Kett, now part of Mowlem & Company, have carried out the work
on our behalf. I note that as an example of their attention to detail, the holes,
originally made, we presume, to take wooden name plaques, have been preserved.
A joint Parish Council committee under the chairmanship of Councillor Mason,
and including a representative from the British Legion has achieved the splendid
results we see here today and which we hope will preserve the monument for many
years to come. To those I have named, or missed in error, and to those who have
come today, I thank you on behalf of the two Parish Councils.
At the original dedication all those years ago, the rural dean, the Reverend
W. C. Cooke, spoke to the community of his hope that the memorial, with its little
motto" lest we forget" would speak to them as they passed by. And, he trusted,
to their children in days to come, when they looked upon it and asked the question;
" What does it mean?"
He said; "When they see this cross here, we hope it will be an inspiration
to remember, that the way of duty is not altogether one of pleasure and ease.
It will speak to them of much that is demanded, even, as in the case of these
our brothers whose names are here; it means even life itself."
I hope that the work and dedication, which we are here today to acknowledge,
will continue to allow us, and our children, to reflect on the personal sacrifices
made by our forebears in the hope of making the world a better place.
Prayer of Dedication
The Dedication of a New Book of Remembrance held by the Royal British Legion
Hymn: Guide me, O Thou great Jehovah
The Blessing
National Anthem
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