A MATTER OF TASTE

Shortly before Christmas a letter was published in the Billericay Gazette in which the writer expressed concern at the parlous state of the World War II Memorial, in particular the inscriptions which were considered barely legible and should be re-cut. Additionally the writer drew attention to the new memorial installed at Ingatestone and the fact that Wickford was considering replacing their old memorials.  

Some people would argue that the Second World War Memorial should be preserved in its present condition since it is an example of the buildings of the post war era, whilst others would express the opinion that if the inscriptions can be read at two metres then that is acceptable. This begs the question why do we have a war memorial; is it because it is an example of a historical building or to commemorate those who made the ultimate sacrifice in the service of their country? If it is the latter should not the memorial be constructed of quality materials and be of a design that is simple, elegant and reverent and truly reflect the magnitude of their sacrifice? Should it not also be in a location that is aesthetically pleasing where one can sit in relative comfort and contemplate the past? This may be difficult to achieve at the present location, at the junction of two busy roads, but nevertheless the site could be improved as an artist’s impression of the site at night clearly shows.

Incidentally the memorial to those who fell in the First World War, built some eighty years ago, is in good condition and the inscriptions are perfectly readable from some distance.