War memorials stand proud ready for VE Day

Four cherished war memorials in Erewash have been painstakingly restored to pristine condition by the borough council – in time for the 80th anniversary of VE Day.

Teams of conservation specialists have been hard at work cleaning them – ahead of four days of national celebrations which start on the bank holiday of Monday 5th May when street parties will be held across the borough.

Stonework has been repaired and inlaid lettering made to look brand new – ready for civic leaders, veterans and representatives of the Armed Forces to pay their respects to the borough’s war dead. 

VE Day itself is on Thursday 8th May. The Cenotaph on Ilkeston Market Place and the War Memorial in Long Eaton at St Lawrence’s Church were included in the refurbishment project. 

Both will be the focus of 80th anniversary services. Memorials at St Mary’s Church in Ilkeston and in the town’s Park Cemetery have also been restored.

Skilled artisans repaired the stone plinths and repointed joints. Meticulous cleaning was carried out by a gentle yet effective super-heated water system. Erewash Borough Council is committed to the ongoing care and maintenance of these prominent landmarks in our towns. As beacons of remembrance they remain vital symbols of our shared history.

The VE Day celebrations nationwide will kick off with a spectacular London parade from Whitehall to Buckingham Palace. Wartime planes will take to the skies along with the Red Arrows. The next day – Tuesday 6th May – historic landmarks across the country will be lit up.

A concert will be broadcast from Westminster Hall on Wednesday 7th May. It will be followed by another in London’s Horse Guards Parade which will be attended by 10,000 on the Thursday. There will also be a service at Westminster Abbey.