7:10am Wednesday 25th January 2012
WHEN the decision was made to restore Bedford High School’s war memorial plaque pupils and staff created a unique gateway into their own history.
The plaque commemorates over a hundred young men from what was Leigh Grammar School who fought and died for their country in two world wars.
Now the brass and woodwork of the plaque have been carefully restored thanks to the efforts of the school and Mrs Joan Tickle of the Manchester Road Residents’ Association.
Teacher Helen Ball explained: “The plaque is a very powerful reminder of the contribution of this community to defending the values of our nation. Each name was someone from our area and the pupils have researched many of them to learn what they did.”
Students Joseph Dewhurst, Catherine Ashton and Gemma Johns got the backing of Leigh South councillors Kevin Anderson, Charles Rigby and John O'Brien who contributed to the cost of restoration through Brighter Borough funds.
Cllr Anderson said: “We are right to honour those who died to protect our freedom and I am proud to support the work of Bedford High in maintaining the memory of these brave men.”
Pupils uncovered some interesting facts and Emma researched the story of renowned Victoria Cross recipient Private Alfred Wilkinson.
“He was awarded the VC for a daring mission across no man’s land in the First World War,” she said.
“Private Wilkinson survived the trenches but just after he’d signed up for the Second World War over 20 years later, he died in a colliery accident.”
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