Plans for memorial park and to involve more children in Armistice Day commemorations

Hartlepool Borough Council regeneration service committee discussed plans for the area to mark the 100 year anniversary of the end of the First World War in November this year.

Three existing proposals were put forward by council head of culture and information David Worthington for events to mark the occasion.

These include supporting the remembrance service at Victory Square, holding a commemoration at the Heugh Battery Museum, and two commemorations at Seaton Carew Beacon and the Headland War Memorial.

Cllr Kevin Cranney, chair of the committee, was in favour of the plans and was glad to see them brought before the meeting.

He also pushed for further discussions into installing a memorial garden somewhere in the area to mark those who served in the war.

Cllr Cranney said: “Most things like this need a lot of planning.

“It would be nice to do something to mark the occasion.

“Young children need to be aware of sacrifices soldiers made for their freedom.

“Hartlepool did lose a number of people during the war.

“The plans for the memorial garden, I think we need to take that forward also, it would be a great thing for the area.”

Cllr Jim Lindridge, who represents the Fens & Rossmere ward, suggested the council could look at putting any memorial garden in Rosemere Park, to tie in with the £500,000 masterplan already in place to redevelop the area.

Councillors also urged the importance of getting children along to the Heugh Museum while at school to teach them about what happened and make the most of the country’s only open air First World War museum.

Council armed forces champion Cllr Allan Barclay also said he would be holding an event to mark the occasion.

He confirmed to the committee he will be looking to hold a memorial dinner at The Grand Hotel in Hartlepool on November 8.

It will cost £40 per person and money raised will go to the Royal British Legion.

Nic Marko , Local Democracy Reporting Service