A Marchwood-based group have launched a fundraising project to restore an almost 100-year-old war memorial in the heart of the village.

The unveiling and dedication of the War Memorial took place October 24, 1920.

Brigadier-General Sir Hugh Simpson-Baikie unveiled the memorial and the dedication was carried out by Canon Braithwaite. It was followed by the Last Post being sounded by two buglers of the Hampshire Regiment. Two wreaths were laid on the the memorial by two youngsters from the village; one as a representative of the ex-Service men of the parish, the other on behalf of inhabitants.

Before the closing hymn Brigadier-General Hugh Simpson-Baikie referred to Marchwood’s war record. He said that out of 600 inhabitants 134 served in his Majesty’s Forces during the war. It was a record of which any village had every reason to be proud.

The War Memorial was paid for by public subscription. The money was raised by donations, jumble sales, and the trading of photographs of the Memorial by Mr Sansom. A total of 360 pictures were sold and the commission on the sale was donated to the fund.

Further names were added of those who lost their lives during the Second World War.

The last major work carried out on the war memorial was in 2008 largely due to the efforts of the late Parish Councillor Ron Vango-Fisher.

The War Memorial, situated in front of the Church Hall, will be 100 years old in October 2020. The Memorial is in need of repairs, general cleaning and re-engraving of some of the lettering which has become difficult to read. It is also hoped to include repairs to the footpath around the memorial subject to funding.

Marchwood War Memorial Refurbishment Fund 2020 has been launched to raise the necessary money for all this work to be carried out.

The Fund have also produced a Marchwood 2020 calendar available from the Marchwood Parish Council Office. Priced £5.99, all profits go towards the fund raising effort.

Donations can be made by visiting www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/mwmrf2020.

For further information email mwmrf2020@gmail.com.