May 29th 2014

Facelift for Clive War Memorial

The War Memorial at Clive is undergoing a facelift, ahead of next year’s commemoration service that will mark the 100th anniversary of the ANZAC landings at Gallipoli during World War 1.

Hastings District Councillor Rod Heaps says “The Clive Community Group approached Council late last year with a request that some restoration work be undertaken on the memorial and improvements were made to the surrounding area at the same time. The ANZAC day commemoration services in 2015 will have added significance and it was felt that this project should be progressed to ensure the memorial and its surrounds reflected the added importance of the occasion.”

Rod Heaps says “Council has combined with the Clive Community Group, the RSA, NZTA and volunteers to ensure that this project meets the expectations of the community. The project will include the laying of a new concrete surface, the repair of cracks in the concrete walls and the memorial will get a fresh coat of paint.”

“In addition, the Clive Charitable Historic Trust has made a donation to cover the cost of installing uplighting of the memorial that will brighten the whole area during the evening. The rosemary hedge around the perimeter of the memorial is synonymous with remembrance (from Shakespeare’s Hamlet) and commemoration, and will be retained during the upgrade,” Rod Heaps says.

Clive Community Group Chairperson Tony Loversuch says “We are delighted that this project has come to fruition. The Clive area has undergone some significant improvements in recent times including upgrades to the shopping area and swimming pool, the development of Evers-Swindell Reserve, the installation of new seating by the river and a new BMX track. The upgrade of the memorial is a welcome addition to these initiatives.”

Tony Loversuch says “We are very grateful for the Trust’s support that will allow the uplighting to be installed. It is always pleasing when multiple agencies and organisations are able to work together to achieve a common goal.”

The project began on 23rd May 2014 and should be completed by 6th June 2014.

ENDS

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