Scottish Borders War Memorial Project

Rach · Post by **Rach** » Tue Jan 16, 2007 6:07 pm

Have had a look through this forum and don't see the www.sbwm.co.uk listed yet. However, I'm one of those people who ask for help locating something in a shop and there it is straight in front of me. It is ongoing but you may be lucky.
Rae

caraid · Post by **caraid** » Tue Jan 16, 2007 10:06 pm

Thanks for that link Rae

Caraid

LesleyB · Post by **LesleyB** » Tue Jan 16, 2007 10:15 pm

Hi Rach
Good link.

Just added it to Armed Forces and our Cemeteries links. Thanks for alerting us to it.
Best wishes
Lesley

Lorna Allison · Post by **Lorna Allison** » Wed Jan 17, 2007 2:00 am

Hello Rach

Thank you so much for that link. Looking at the well kept memorials touched a raw nerve. I was "visiting my family" in Mertoun Cemetery, on the edge of Clintmains this year and went over to have a look at the War Memorial. I was horrified. The names are more or less illegible, the surrounds ill kept, no sign of there being any care for it at all. Clearly, the memorials in public areas are more likely to be looked after.

I was going to write to the British Legion/newspaper/Galashiels Cenetery folk. What did I do? Nothing. . . . . . .

Thanks again.

Lorna

Rach · Post by **Rach** » Wed Jan 17, 2007 3:46 pm

Hi Lorna,
What a shame to have such an experience. Our brave men and women deserve to be remembered with dignity. Certainly all the W. M's I have looked at have all been well kept as have the gardens/areas around them. It would be a good idea to bring it to someone's attention. Recently sks in Canada took a photo of a relatives war grave and the gardens over there. It was beautifully kept and the letters were so clear after all that time.
Did you take photos of it so that you could send those to whoever?
Rae

Lorna Allison · Post by **Lorna Allison** » Wed Jan 17, 2007 4:07 pm

Hi Rae

Well now. I didn't but that would have been a good idea. However, I am resolved to do something constructive about this. I think I shall start with the British Legion, I imagine they take an interest. I AM GOING TO DO THAT.

When I think of those young Border boys going off to that hell-hole in 1914, followed by those in 1939 - it is sickening to think that their names cannot even be read in their own parish.

Lorna

Lorna Allison · Post by **Lorna Allison** » Fri Jan 19, 2007 2:14 am

Hi Rae

Just to let you know, I got my act together and emailed Scottish Borders Council because they are in charge of the cemetery and their site had a British Legion link.

Well, I tried. Can't say I am going to make it a cause celebre but you never know it might be passed on to someone who cares.

Lorna

LesleyB · Post by **LesleyB** » Fri Jan 19, 2007 9:39 am

Good for you Lorna!
Hope your efforts have a positive outcome.

Best wishes
Lesley

Rach · Post by **Rach** » Fri Jan 19, 2007 7:04 pm

Well done, Lorna. I hope you receive a reply soon saying that they will be doing something about it. Let us know how you get on.
Rae

Lorna Allison · Post by **Lorna Allison** » Wed Feb 21, 2007 11:55 pm

Hi Rae

That's a month now and no reply from them. I was in touch with Borders FHS on an MI topic so asked them if they could give me an idea who best to apply to.

I will give it another shot if I get an address.

Lorna