Making a difference to the people of Medway
Councillors welcome Book of Remembrance to Luton Library
Press release posted on Monday, 21 December 2009
Local councillors joined war veterans on Saturday (12 December 2009) to welcome the addition of a Book of Remembrance to Luton Library.
The Book of Remembrance, for those who died in the World Wars, was previously kept in Christ Church Luton, but will now go on public display in the library.
It was thanks to local campaigner Donald Phillips that the Book was produced in 2002 after he discovered there was no written memorial in Luton honouring those who had sacrificed their lives in the Second World War.
Mr Phillips researched and traced the names of 78 confirmed fallen heroes from Luton and their names are now recorded in the Book. He has since discovered an additional 16 names which will be included.
Local Conservative Councillors Tashi Bhutia and David Wildey were joined by Parliamentary candidate Tracey Crouch and two independent councillors for the unveiling of the new display. Local campaigner Donald Phillips and two war veterans, Bill Strong and John Dudley, also attended.
Conservative Councillor for Luton and Wayfield Cllr Tashi Bhutia said:
“I am pleased to see that the Book of Remembrance will be prominently displayed in Luton library so we can play tribute to those from Luton who fought and died for this country. This is thanks to the hard work and dedication of local volunteer Donald Phillips, who, with the support of local councillors, has made this happen”.
Parliament Candidate for Chatham and Aylesford Tracey Crouch added:
“The Book was previously hidden away but a wonderful display has now been built so that the whole community can share the memories of our fallen heroes. On Saturday, local resident Don Phillips, who has campaigned for and then practically built the Luton Memorial Meadow, led a minutes silence for our fallen heroes in all conflicts including Afghanistan and Iraq. It was a touching event and I hope people will make the most of the Book being in the library.”
ENDS
Notes to Editors:
- Photo shows veterans John Dudley and Bill Strong with Tracey Crouch, Cllr Tashi Bhutia, Cllr David Wildey, Cllr Val and Tony Goulden.