A PARADE will be held tomorrow when the celebrated artwork dedicated to the fallen of the Battle of the Somme is unveiled in its new home on the edge of the town centre.
Light Lines by artists musson+retallick features see-through plaques which bear the faces and names of the 300 Barnsley men killed on the first day of the Battle of the Somme on July 1 2016.
It was on display in front of the town hall from July 1 until Remembrance Sunday last year to reflect the length of the battle in which more than 800 Barnsley men were killed. It went on to win national praise with a Civic Trust Award, but there was uncertainty about what would happen to it long term.
But this week work has been carried out to relocate it in a permanent home in the Churchfield Peace Gardens, next to the road and close to the statue of Dickie Bird.
Its relocation was the subject of a debate at the council’s planning board meeting last month when some questions were raised about who would be responsible for its upkeep.
But all of that has now been resolved.
Goff Griffiths, branch chairman of Barnsley Churchfield branch of the Royal British Legion, who will be taking part in the parade, said: “I’m very pleased these commemorative Somme plaques are coming back out in a permanent home.
“It was sad when they did have to come out last year, but I think it’s great they've been found a permanent home, and I think It’s the right place for them.”
Doreen Cureton, vice chairman of the Central Conservation Residents’ Association, which looks after the gardens, said she had been looking forward to the artwork going on display for some time.
“I’m very excited about it,” she said. “We’re so looking forward to seeing it in place. It’s absolutely wonderful news.
“We’re going to have a ceremony and parade next weekend to mark the occasion.”
A short unveiling event will be held at 10.30am, which coincides with launch of the poppy appeal by British Legion.
The unveiling will include a dedication by Rev Craig Tomlinson, assistant curate at St Mary’s Church, and the event will be attended by British Legion members, the Sea Cadet Band and dignitaries.
There will then be a parade from Churchfields to May Day Green, including the cadet band, flag colours, legion members and dignitaries, ahead of the official Poppy Appeal launch in Town Centre at 11am.
A council spokesman said: “Planning was paused, not postponed, whilst they clarified the situation regards maintenance. The Friends Group had always offered to look after the artwork as part of keeping the gardens clean and tidy.
“There was never any doubt that the council would take responsibility for any maintenance issues as it does with all its public artworks. I’m pleased to say those formalities have been completed and planning has now been approved.”
The installation of the artwork in its new home has been funded by Barnsley Museums Heritage Trust and Barnsley Council.
