Sculpture plan to mark forces links

Under the Kirkham Covenant, the sculpture is intended 
to stand as a symbolic recognition of the valued relationship of members of the armed 
forces with Kirkham residents.

Remembrance Way, on an old landfill site running between Carr Lane and St Michael’s Church, opened two years ago to coincide wih the centenary of the outbreak of the First World War and already serves as a lasting legacy to service personnel and their close links with the town.

Through the Armed Forces Covenant – a national scheme introduced last year – £12,000 has been allocated for further development this year and project co-ordinator Richard Marshall is currently looking for an artist to produce the sculpture along with ideas for its design.

He said: “It is intended to be a poignant visual reminder in the form of a piece of artwork developed from the input of the whole community.

“The great thing about this project is that we are starting with a completely blank canvas.

“Everybody in Kirkham will be able to get involved by submitting their ideas, taking part in the consultations or becoming actively involved in the design and placement of the sculpture.”

The Armed Forces Covenant, introduced by the Government nationally in June 2015, was established to ensure that those who serve or have served, and their families, are treated fairly.

A priority of the fund is community integration. 

Richard added: “Kirkham has a special relationship with the Armed Forces.

“By working together to consult on and design the sculpture, the two communities will develop a better understanding of each other and form a cohesive bond.

“Everyone in the Kirkham community – businesses, community groups, schools and residents – can pledge their support for the covenant by signing a special scroll on the project website.”

Details of the project and how artists interested in being involved can get in touch with Richard at www.kirkhamcovenant2016.co.uk.