Town eager for forces tribute

Members of the community are rallying round as the project to install a sculpture in tribute to the armed forces in Kirkham moves on apace.
Sculptor Phil Garrett demonstrates clay modelling skills to families at 2nd Kirkham (St Michaels) Scout Group's open daySculptor Phil Garrett demonstrates clay modelling skills to families at 2nd Kirkham (St Michaels) Scout Group's open day
Sculptor Phil Garrett demonstrates clay modelling skills to families at 2nd Kirkham (St Michaels) Scout Group's open day

The aim of the sculpture is to recognise the significant contribution the armed forces have made to the town and demonstrate Kirkham’s commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant signed at Fylde’s Town Hall four years ago.

The project, funded by the Ministry of Defence Armed Forces Covenant Fund, has engaged professional sculptor Phil Garrett, from Liverpool to produce the sculpture and he and project co-ordinator Richard Marshall have been working with local schools and community groups to gather ideas for the sculpture.

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Richard said: “There has been a fantastic response from the local community and it has been very interesting listening to their views.

“There’s a real buzz recognising the relationship between the Kirkham community and the armed forces community and it is exciting to think that this artwork will be on display for many years.

“Kirkham has a distinct history of military involvement as far back as Roman times. Weeton Camp was established in 1916 as a medical training camp in expectation of the vast number of casualties from the First World War and RAF Kirkham was opened in 1940 as a training camp for tradesmen.

“Everyone is welcome to contribute to the project and we would especially like to hear from anyone with connections to the armed forces and Kirkham.” Details at www.kirkhamcovenant2016.co.uk.