War Memorial Restored Through Efforts of Deceased Local Resident

A war memorial, facing potential demolition, has been reconstructed through the dedication of a local resident who passed away prior to its completion. Located in Shrub End near Colchester, the memorial, over a century old, had deteriorated. Kevin Starling, a resident of the neighborhood for 45 years, campaigned for six years to facilitate the memorial’s reconstruction, but he died in January. During the unveiling ceremony for the revitalized memorial, his widow, Sue Starling, commented that her husband “would have been thrilled” with the outcome. Despite its status as a listed building, the Shrub End memorial faced the threat of demolition because of worries regarding its structural soundness and safety, leading to its enclosure by a metal fence. Ms. Starling mentioned that her husband investigated the 17 names inscribed on the memorial’s plaque. She informed the BBC that, upon observing the memorial’s condition, he stated, “‘I’ve got to do something about it’.” With no individual or entity claiming ownership or responsibility for either the memorial or its underlying land, Mr. Starling initiated efforts to obtain planning permission for the restoration and to raise necessary funds. Following his collaboration with Sir Bob Russell, who serves as the High Steward of Colchester and was the city’s former Liberal Democrat MP, Mr. Starling established the War Memorial Conservation and Restoration Group. Ultimately, the necessary £46,000 was acquired through contributions from the War Memorials Trust, Colchester City Council, and a range of other groups, companies, and private donors, among them Olympic rower James Cracknell, who participated in the London Marathon to support the cause. After Mr. Starling’s passing due to ill health, the group pledged to proceed with their work in his honor. During a brief ceremony, which included attendance by students from three local schools, Ms. Starling unveiled the memorial, and Lt Col Ed Rankin, commander of Colchester Garrison, placed a wreath. The Last Post was performed, and a reading was delivered by the Reverend Roger Morris, the Bishop of Colchester. Kirk, Mr. Starling’s son, stated, “‘People have got somewhere to come and pay their respects, and I’ve got somewhere I can come and talk to my dad.’ ‘This is his legacy, and it’s finished.'” Sir Bob Russell informed the BBC, “‘None of this would have happened if it hadn’t been for Kevin Starling’s determination that he was not going to see this memorial be lost forever.’ ‘That war memorial will last for another 100 years, if not more.'” His wife remarked, “‘It looks fantastic, it’s what he wanted.’ ‘I just wish Kevin was here to see it, he desperately wanted to see it finished.'” For updates on Essex news, follow BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram, and X. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC bears no responsibility for the content of external websites. Information regarding our external linking policy is available.