Wreath removal

Hi all,
Quite a simple question really, I look after our local war memorial, hedges, weeding, dogs poo, etc.. and two years ago suffered a little abuse from a member of the Woman's Union, for removing and discarding their wreath, three or four months after it had been laid, theirs and the others looked tired and tatty and really untidy, and in my humble opinion disrespectful, I tried to explain this to the lady, but I don't think I got through to her, I also pointed out if they are left to long people get used to them and the lose their yearly impact on the community, Its clean up time again and I intend to clear them again,and chance my arm for more abuse, and a war with the mothers union, the question, how soon after November 11th should they be removed. Or how long after do they disappear on your local war memorial, advise please as I am very frightened of the Women's Union
regards lofty

 

Lofty

Don't be scared of the Mother's Union - just tell them that the memorial looks untidy after three months - and that you are just doing what a normal housekeeper would do - BUT if they could do better then you would be happy to relinguish the
housekeeping task to them ......

that should shut them up ...

Cheers

 

I agree with Tom.
There's something sad about a memorial that has old, worn out, tatty wreaths etc around it.
Carry on cleaning Lofty!

 

I agree with Tom also. If they don't like having their wreaths removed they can always take the old ones away them themselves while putting another wreath down at the same time? Carry on Lofty you're doing a great job!

 

Lofty,

Keep up the good work.

Regards
Tom

 

I agree with Tom, and the other fellas. Keeping it clean and tidy shows the respect deserved. This reminds me of the thread about CWGC gravestones and embellishment, tributes at a memorial are good until they start to look bad.

Lofty was it the Women's Institiute or Mother's Union?

You'll get into more trouble with them for muddling them up.
:tongue:

Definitely agree with you here Owen.

Mark

 

This lot, gets removed before Christmas, I believe:

Evesham War Memorial:: OS grid SP0343 :: Geograph Britain and Ireland - photograph every grid square!

Although with 30-40 it could get into a mess.

I'd rather they were removed before they get tatty. Carry on as you are, Lofty.

 

Hi Owen, I think I am now in deep s--t , thinking back it was the Woman's Institute, if they read this thread I am dead meat.:sign_help:

Thanks everyone for your input, I am going to clean up the memorial and clear them tomorrow. Decision made,

regards lofty

 

I don't know what the official date is for the UK-There must be one but I was always under the impression that the CWGC leave wreaths until around September, October and the little wooden crosses stay forever.

My Royal Sigs Sgt's grave at Dunkirk has a crosses in it that I placed there, going back quite a few years ago.

 

I visit the CWGC on Heerstrasse, Berlin quite regularly and the wreaths left after a ceremony usually remain for several weeks until looking unsightly, then they are removed.

The same goes for those left by individuals paying their respects.

Regards
Tom

 

Hi Lofty - it's Lindsay here - we met at Marks Hall, Earls Colne in March this year at the 66th Anniversary and Remembrance Service for the Glider Pilot Regiment, RAF 296 and 297 Squadrons, together with all those who lost their lives on Operation Varsity, the Rhine Crossings, 24.03.45.

How beautiful the wreaths looked that day, all placed carefully around the obelisk at the memorial site situated in the wonderful grounds at Marks Hall. I'd like to think that the staff at Marks Hall would tidy the memorial site appropriately, in order that visitors to the gardens are aware that the memorial is afforded the care and attention so deserved.

I totally agree with the action you decided to take, and being a housewife myself, I can't understand the flak you've received from which ever woman's institute it is!

Sadly an untidy memorial site can sometimes look so dejected - a bit of TLC is all they ask. If you run into trouble and need assistance with your endeavours ... I'm the woman who is prepared to back you up with your cause.

Good luck - and may the best man win!
Lindsay

 

Hi Lofty

You did the right thing have asked my uncle who is manager of Allerdale cemeterys and gardens and also looks after war memorials and he says once they start looking untidy they have to move them, but if they are still in good nick they leave them alone until they are untidy, it is like the grave flowers and wreaths they have a 2 week window where they can remove them but same again if they are ok they leave them alone hope that is a bit clearer for you.

 

hello Lofty

I agree a tidy up is a mark of respect.

I have observed that with regard to town/ village memorials there does not appear to be a date when the wreaths are removed.Over the past few weeks I have taken a few photos of memorials and the wreaths are still in place from November last year.


regards
Clive

 

Hi all,
Thanks for your input, decided not to wait till Tuesday and gave the memorial a six monthly service this afternoon, (Monday) removed all the wreaths an did a general tidy up, and it now looks as it should, taking a line from all the responses I think the end of January is about the time to remove the wreaths so as not to loose the impact of the fresh ones laid in November, the memorial has another service before November (unless the WI get me first) including hedge cutting and possibly a pressure wash of the stone work, not a chore but a privilege, thanks again, regards lofty

added archive picture of the memorial

 

Well done Lofty - proud of you!

 

Lofty
excellent work
thank you

 

The memorial looks great Lofy ... thank you for all your hard work.

For those of you who don't know the memorial site at Marks Hall, Earls Colne, a couple of photographs below ... a peaceful place to sit and reflect







Lindsay

 

Lofty, a good job well done.