Lest we forget, in memory.
We take great pride in our armed forces and honour the fallen who served protecting our nation and the ones we love.
It is a testament to our to our brave men and women that memorials take pride of place in the centre of our cities, towns and villages.
There is such a memorial to our local heroes who hailed from Balsall Common and Berkswell. It is located at the entrance of St John the Baptist church.
Originally commissioned entirely by private funds from local people it is constructed of red sandstone, a popular local stone.
Unfortunately, it has suffered the ravages of time and in desperate need of repair and partial reconstruction. An architectural survey identified significant damage including dislodged parapet stones and a unstable roof structure.
The public appeal raised £8,655.61 and the parish council has secured grants from the HS2 Community Fund and the War Memorial Trust. It is expected that work on the restoration will commence in the spring of 2024 when the weather improves.
The name of Corporal Timms was added to the memorial. He died on 29th September 1914 after just 6 weeks in France. We do not know why his name is missing from the memorial but he is a son of Berkswell. His nephew still lives in the parish.
