See historic monument in a new light...

A historic landmark dating back to the early 1880s is set for an illuminating makeover thanks to the efforts of community groups.
By Gareth Vickers
Published 2nd Feb 2014, 13:00 BST
Simon Fenwick, Margaret Collinson and Alan Ashton inspect the historic memorial in Sparrow Park, Lytham, which has been given a facelift.Simon Fenwick, Margaret Collinson and Alan Ashton inspect the historic memorial in Sparrow Park, Lytham, which has been given a facelift.
Simon Fenwick, Margaret Collinson and Alan Ashton inspect the historic memorial in Sparrow Park, Lytham, which has been given a facelift.

The Clifton Memorial in Sparrow Park, Lytham, has been given a £3,200 new look thanks to cash support from Booth’s supermarkets, the Lytham St Annes Civic Society and Lytham Heritage Group.

Work by Fylde Council staff to refurbish the Clifton Memorial in Sparrow Park is now complete and work to 
install lighting will begin within weeks.

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The work will complement the improvements to Sparrow Park and Lytham station that were carried out in connection with the hosting of the 2012 Open Golf Championship, held at Royal Lytham and St Annes.

Refurbishment of Clifton Memorial in Sparrow Park, Lytham, has been completed.Refurbishment of Clifton Memorial in Sparrow Park, Lytham, has been completed.
Refurbishment of Clifton Memorial in Sparrow Park, Lytham, has been completed.

Alan Ashton, chairman of Lytham Heritage Group, said: “Everyone in Fylde knows of the contribution made to Lytham by the Clifton family, who owned Lytham Hall.

“The memorial is a roofed structure with drinking fountain and horse trough and would have been used every day when it was in Hastings Place.

“It isn’t seen so often now it is in Sparrow Park but it is still a vital and attractive part of the area’s heritage.

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“It is a fine-looking memorial that deserves to be showcased – hence our support for this floodlighting scheme.”

The improvements form part of a wider, long-term plan to encourage more people to visit Lytham Hall by improving the appeal of the walk between the hall and the town centre.

Other possible plans may include an arts trail.

The memorial was erected in 1882 to commemorate the death of John Talbot Clifton in Algiers, Algeria, in 1882.

The memorial was originally paid for by Lady Eleanor Cecily Clifton in honour of her husband and features the family motto “death or victory”.

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Related topics:WorkLythamLytham Hall