Remedial work appeal to repair ‘weathered’ war memorial

Remedial work appeal to repair ‘weathered’ war memorial

31 January 2024

AN appeal has been issued to Newry, Mourne and Down Council to refurbish Newcastle’s war memorial in the heart of the resort.

Mournes councillor, Glyn Hanna, is urging the local authority to re-paint the names of the fallen on the memorial located outside the Newcastle Centre in Main Street.

Council officials are also being asked to clean the memorial which forms the centrepiece of the town’s annual Remembrance Sunday service in the town.

Describing the memorial as “one of the most impressive in the council area,” Cllr Hanna said it needs remedial work.

“The lettering has weathered and it has become difficult to read,” he revealed.

“I think it would be a good idea to clean the memorial to help maintain its character and importance to the local community.”

Cllr Hanna said he has asked for the work to be carried out as soon as possible.

On January 23, 1928, the local district council decided to accept conveyance of the Main Street site and the custody and maintenance of a war memorial.

In late 1924, a deputation from the British Legion met with Newcastle Urban District Council to discuss the raising of a war memorial at the Blackrock, a rocky outcrop at the southern end of the town. 

The following year a design of a lion, which had been prepared by Lady Mabel Annesley of Castlewellan and a site, was approved. 

Lady Annesley also generously promised to be responsible for the cost of the sculpturing by Frank Wiles.

After the Second World War, the memorial was moved to its present location in front of the Newcastle Centre.