Jane Stevenson, MP for Wolverhampton North East, has praised a local club in her constituency for its community project to create a permanent memorial to members lost to coronavirus.
The Wednesfield Royal British Legion club on Vicarage Road is transforming its outdoor area and restoring the war memorial, using supplies and labour kindly donated by businesses and volunteers.
A garden is being created which will be maintained by children from Wodensfield Primary School, and will contain a memorial plaque commemorating the lives of its members who have sadly died with coronavirus.
The club is also restoring the war memorial at the front of the building. Supplies and labour has been kindly donated by Amey, Travis Perkins, ISS Labour and other organisations.
Jane visited the club to see the works being carried out, and to praise the club for the project.
She said: “It is fantastic to see this work being done to create a permanent tribute to those members of the Wednesfield Royal British Legion who have sadly died over the last 12 months. The pandemic has touched and affected so many people, and so I know this memorial garden will mean a lot.
“I want to thank everyone who has contributed to the project, with some very generous donations of supplies and tools to get this done. I can’t wait to see it completed, and I look forward to unveiling the memorial plaque later this year when it is installed. The RBL is at the heart of the local community, and I’m sure members will be excited to return in a couple of weeks to reunite with old friends.”
Ray Giles, secretary of the Wednesfield Royal British Legion, said: “It was great to have our local MP Jane Stevenson come and see the works and improvements we are making to the club. Over the past 12 months, like so many other clubs across Wolverhampton, we have sadly lost some of our dearest members to coronavirus. We wanted to create a space in the club garden where our members can stop and reflect on their experiences, so this memorial will be a lasting tribute to those we have sadly lost.
“We have been humbled to receive so much support from Amey, Travis Perkins, ISS Labour and many others who have kindly donated supplies and their time to transform the club. We can’t wait to welcome our members back on 12th April.”
ENDS
