Former pupils of a Fylde coast school, Church Road Council School, Thornton, Lancashire, who died during the First World War, are once again having their memories honoured in a proper fashion.
A memorial plaque bearing their names now takes pride of place at Millfield Science and Performing Arts College, Thornton, where it has been installed and rededicated.
A few months ago, the future of the plaque, which was languishing unwanted in a reclamation yard in Yorkshire, was far from guaranteed.
In March 2011, an article appeared in the WFA's Bulletin with a photograph of an unidentified memorial plaque from "a Church Road Council School", listing old boys who had given their lives during the Great War. The caption with the photograph asked if anyone could identify where the school was.
The memorial, a large oak panel, had been found in a reclamation yard and bought by WFA member, Trevor Spindler, who recognised the importance of returning this memorial to its community.
Tom Williams, a Thornton member of the WFA, managed to identify the names listed, as well as come up with the school name.
Tom commented, "The memorial board was dedicated to the boys of Church Road Council School, Thornton, who had given their lives in the First World War. It was unveiled on July 6, 1920 by Brigadier General G H Gater, director of education for Lancashire.
"It is tragic that it ended up where it did, so far away from the Fylde coast, but I am working on a roll of honour for the Thornton War Memorial and fortunately recognised some of the 28 names on the board."
It wasn't long before the plaque was restored, thanks to help from North Fylde Rotary Club.
Read the full article courtesy: Blackpool Gazette.
