THE story of Helensburgh’s war memorial, and its restoration, has been told in a brand new video launched as pat of the town’s contribution to this year’s Doors Open Days festival.
The coronavirus pandemic means this year’s version of the event – which shows off buildings and structures across Scotland in a whole new light, many of them not usually open to the public – is being held through a series of videos and live online presentations.
And the Friends of Hermitage Park have got in on the act with a moving video, created by Rhu resident Ann Stewart, telling the story of the memorial – and the central role it has played, and will continue to play, in the £3.7 million regeneration of the much-loved park.
The memorial itself is an A-listed structure justifiably regarded as one of the most elegant war memorials in Scotland, and contains the names of 313 men – and one woman – who died in the service of their country in the First and Second World Wars.
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Fiona Baker, chair of the Friends of Hermitage Park, told the Advertiser: “Due to the Covid-19 restrictions, Doors Open Day 2020 is, like so many other events, a virtual event.
“However, the positive of this is that it has allowed the event to widen its scope to include beautiful places, and it gives more people and organisations, that might have struggled with lots of visitors anyway, the opportunity to show a special space, building or place to many more people via the internet.
“It also gives more people the chance to participate and see lots of things all over Scotland.
“The war memorial is very important to the community. With HM Naval Base Clyde just down the road at Faslane there are many serving personnel, and their families, in our community.
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“We have learned through our War Memorial Families Project, now nearing completion, the names on the memorial are a true reflection of our town and society and that holds true today.
“It is an outstanding monument, hence its A-listed status, and its setting within the old walled garden and within the park is a key part of that.
“During its restoration one of the main funders, the War Memorials Trust, said they thought it was ‘the finest war memorial in the land’. I think Helensburgh folk know it is an exceptional monument.
“It was also designed and built by Helensburgh residents, and it is well-loved and highly valued.”
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Ann Stewart, editor of the new war memorial video, added: “Fiona asked if I could put something together for the Doors Open Day. We had been working together, along with Moira Griffiths and Jim Chestnut in researching a book on the lives of the men who died in the First World War and named on the memorial, which will be launched, Covid permitting, in November.
“This will be made available at the Hermitage Park pavilion, Helensburgh Library and various other venues. There will also be a corresponding website.
“Fiona, who oversaw the restoration of the park, thought it would be a good idea to showcase the work to the memorial.
“It is also one of the few places that can be visited during this time.”
For more information on the memorial and to watch the video, visit the Helensburgh Hermitage Park Facebook page.
The garden of remembrance in which the memorial sits is open every day between 9am and 4pm.
*Check out this week's Advertiser, out on Thursday, September 24, for more on the Helensburgh and Lomond area's contribution to this year's Doors Open Days festival.
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