March 2009 War Memorial Report

(for the most recent reports, click here)

In the last Broadstone Residents' Magazine I asked for residents to contact me regarding the clearance and enhancement of the view from the War Memorial and have so far received about 12 written replies, and several verbal replies, all in favour of the opening up of the view.

As the representative of Broadstone Residents Association on this matter I am trying to co-ordinate the project of getting both the sculpture's cleaning and protection for the future, and the clearance of some of the tree and shrub growth in front of the Memorial to reinstate and enhance the view from it. It has been noted that the seats which once looked out across to the Purbecks have had to be turned around as there was no longer a view to be seen from them.

I met Margo Teasdale, Poole Conservation Officer, at the Conservation Area Open Meeting last month and discussed the situation of the War Memorial with her, and have now realised that it is up to me to keep pushing everyone to do the job. Margo makes the recommendations and acts as advisor to those of us with the time to get the work done.

Margo has done an enormous amount of work on the Conservation Areas and has approached the War Memorial Trust for funding for the care of the WM.

I have written to the RBL to see if they can help but apparently the War Memorial is the responsibility of Poole Borough Council.

Mr John Goodliffe, a local sculptor, has sent me an assessment of the state of the Memorial and his suggestions as to what should be done. This has also been copied to Margo Teasdale and the RBL.

Margo Teasdale has suggested steam cleaning and a protective anti-graffiti coating might be more appropriate than Mr Goodliffe's suggestion of scrubbing by hand with distilled water.

It is also hoped at some point that a plaque of recognition of Gilbert Bayes as the sculptor could be erected. I am not sure yet who would pay for this, but as he was important enough to have a room of sculptures in the Victoria & Albert Museum named after him I feel we should also recognise him here.

Regarding the shrubs and trees around the Memorial I am sure we could find one or two people to help if we are allowed to. It may be that Continental Landscapes, who look after the park at present for Poole Council, would be able to help or supervise the work, but I am waiting for a reply from Poole Leisure Services as to whether they are in charge, or Continental Landscapes.

I will be following all this as it progresses to the conclusion we are aiming for.

Jill Floyd 12th March 2009