Making an entrance

The entrance to Bedworth’s prized Miners’ Welfare Park is being transformed as part of the Town’s commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the Armistice.

Through a joint project led by the Bedworth Armistice Parade Group and the Borough Council, the existing park gates have been replaced and permanent artwork features installed around the entrance, together with the installation of a new commemorative wall.

The work is a fitting tribute to those who lost their lives in conflict and signifies the special contribution made by Bedworth to the national Armistice event every year. David Ogilvy was commissioned to design and create the work the inspiration taken from the Town’s own rich heritage with local school, Ash Green contributing creative ideas to the project.

Cllr Julie Jackson, Leader of the Council said:

"The Miners’ Welfare Park in Bedworth is one of the Borough’s most cherished landmarks. The new gates and wall celebrate the special heritage of this site and the design commemorates those who have lost their lives in conflict, keeping residents and visitors reminded of the great sacrifice they made.

”I am looking forward to the ceremony on 18 August and I’m truly grateful for the work of our partners in the Bedworth Armistice Parade Group.”

Mr Ken Whitehead, Chairman of the Bedworth Armistice Parade Group said:

“We hope that these gates will stand as a lasting and heartfelt tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice in the search for peace.”

With a grand ironwork archway above, the new gates depict a story from the First World War through to the present day. The wall portrays the people of Bedworth’s long standing remembrance of those who gave their lives during service to this country.

The project has been funded by the Borough Council (using section 106 funds, which are obtained from local developers to improve the local environment for residents) and the Armistice Parade Group. The existing gates, which originated from Coombe Abbey in Coventry and were installed in the 1920’s, have deteriorated over the years and are now in need of replacement.

The unveiling ceremony took place on Saturday 18 August 18 at 11am and started with a walk from the cricket club, past the Major’s Café, up Rye Piece Ringway to the Memorial Gates where there was a short service before the unveiling of the wall and gates. At the end of the ceremony, around 12 noon there was be a flypast by a Hurricane of the Memorial Flight.