Villagers boosted by memorial offer

Mar 19 2008 by Sam Wood, The Journal

A GOOD Samaritan has come forward to help replace a war memorial plaque stolen from a Northumberland village.

The Journal reported last week that thieves had taken a bronze plate bearing the names of 40 soldiers and sailors from Stocksfield who had died in the First World War.

The memorial, next to Broomley First School, is a focal point of the village.

Villagers and local councillors were angry and distraught at the loss, which could cost thousands of pounds to put right.

After spotting the piece in the paper, James McCann, of Spennymoor, County Durham, has told Stocksfield parish councillors he will use his contacts to see if the plaque can be replaced at a lower cost than usual.

And he has also pledged money to help with the work if required.

Mr McCann, 65, a lorry driver, said: “I was just appalled when I read in The Journal that this plaque had been stolen. I think it is a sign of the times and shows that some people have no respect any more – they just take society for granted.

“Many of my relatives died in conflicts across the world and I would be appalled if their memory had been treated in the same way. I felt I needed to do something, and hopefully I will be able to. I have some contacts through the railway preservation society who may be able to help.

“These things are expensive to replace and with all the names it may be quite a complicated piece to make, but I’m hoping I may be able to get it for cost price for the village.”

Stocksfield parish council chairman Julia Sayce said she has had a huge response from villagers since the theft.

Mrs Sayce, 67, of Crabtree Road, said: “I’ve had so many phone calls from people in Stocksfield since this plaque was stolen.

“Some of them have said they will provide money to get it replaced, others have just said how angry they are that it has been taken.

“I couldn’t believe what had happened when I first heard about it, it is just shocking that someone would steal something like this.

“I met with Mr McCann and it seems promising. We welcome any help that he can offer us.

“We are expecting to hear something in the next few weeks from the people we have consulted about a replacement.”

Parish council clerk Margaret Williams, of New Ridley Road, said the council was looking into how the new plaque could be paid for.

“Hopefully we will be able to pay for the work from parish council funds, but if not, we may have to do some fundraising,” she said.

The council has a list of all the names which were on the stolen plaque. It is hoped the plate can be replaced in bronze but a cheaper metal may have to be used.