A memorial to commemorate Territorial Army soldiers from Shrewsbury who gave their lives in World War One has been unveiled by staff and residents at a care home.
The wooden cross and plaque, which will serve as a permanent reminder of the TA soldiers who died fighting in the Great War, was revealed at Montgomery House – the former site of the town’s TA Centre – on November 30 during a special ceremony.
The event was attended by residents of the 90-bed care home, operated by Coverage Care, Lea Cross Singers choir and Daniel Kawczynski, MP for Shrewsbury and Atcham.
Haf Evans, activities coordinator for the home, said the occasion brought to an end a six-month programme of events to mark the centenary of World War One.
Other activities held at the home have included a Forget Me Not Tea Party, a Land Girl Day, and remembrance service on November 11.
She said: “We’ve hosted a number of events here at the home for residents and their families. We’ve found the activities have really brought people out of their shells and today is a great way to round off the commemorations.”
Emily Schwehr, who is also an activity coordinator at the home, added: “The events have also brought back memories of the Second World War for many of our residents and they have been quite nostalgic and emotional.
“Certainly November has been a month of reminiscing about the past and it’s been really lovely to see the residents talking more, sharing memories and getting to know each other better.”
The wooden memorial cross, which has been handcrafted by local carpenter John Lennon, stands at the entrance to the home. Artwork created by residents is also displayed along with poppy sculptures in the garden.
Chris Wall, finance director for Coverage Care, praised the hard work of staff and residents and said it was an honour to be able to commemorate Shrewsbury’s TA soldiers in this way.
The Royal Corp of Signals had a TA squadron based at the centre from 1969 to 2010. The base was later used for cadets training. However, in 2015 a line was drawn under the long military history of the site when the centre was pulled down.
It was replaced in 2016 by Montgomery House which is one of 15 centres in Shropshire and Telford &Wrekin operated by Coverage Care.
Caption: (Left to Right) Carolyn Lewis of Lea Cross Singers, Montgomery House resident June Woolley, Montgomery House Activities Coordinator Haf Evans, Daniel Kawczynski, MP for Shrewsbury and Atcham, and Marion Lewis of Lea Cross Singers.
