New community memorial being unveiled
A community memorial commemorating all those from Reepham and the surrounding area who have given their lives in the service of their country is to be unveiled on Saturday 15 June at 2.30 pm.
The new memorial honours not just those who have given their lives from the armed forces, but also those in non-military service, such as the police, fire service and NHS.
Reepham is one of the few Norfolk communities not to have a war memorial, although the names of those who gave their lives in the two World Wars are listed on plaques in St Mary’s.
The unveiling will be the culmination of a campaign that has been running for more than 20 years, which has seen a number of different sites for a memorial in Reepham considered and rejected.
The cost of the new memorial has been met through donations from residents, voluntary groups and other benefactors.
A grant from Broadland District Council has funded the refurbishment of the area around the memorial with new turf, landscaping and planting.
The community memorial will be placed in Reepham churchyard just outside the door to St Mary’s and will be unveiled by the Deputy Lieutenant of Norfolk, Rose Barnes, in a ceremony that will be attended by members of the public as well as representatives from all the services, voluntary groups and local dignitaries.
The unveiling and dedication ceremony will be led by Reepham’s Team Vicar, Rev. Helen Rengert, and will feature a minute’s silence to remember those who have been lost. A piper will also be in attendance.
The unveiling ceremony will be followed by a short reception in St Michael’s, adjacent to St Mary’s, to which all are welcome.