A memorial in Torrington erected respectfully by those left behind to honour the men and women who went to war is now desperately in need of some honourable support itself.
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The Torrington War Memorial was built around 1919 as a celebration of Torrington War Service for the princely price of £150, a large sum in its day, raised via public subscription. Now a number of support posts and beams are suffering dry rot, to the extent that a section at the rear of the monument has to be barricaded off and trustees Richard Cork, Noel Evans and Kim Davies are concerned.
Mr Cork said the structure is quite intricate in the way it was assembled, with timbers interleaved, so it may not be a matter of simply jacking up the roof and replacing the posts.
“It was well built back in the day, and that’s creating some issues to rebuild. There’s been a lot of hand-planing. It’s like a jigsaw.
It was well built back in the day, and that’s creating some issues to rebuild.
- Richard Cork
“It may need a phased approach to restore it. I’m thinking it would need a good, solid week or maybe a fortnight of work, and maybe a crane to lift off the roof.”
Atop that roof is a kangaroo moulded out of a pewter/tin alloy, a quite unusual adornment for a war memorial and part of the character of the monument which the trustees and other community members are so keen to preserve.
ANZAC Day dawn services have continued at the memorial since 1956, drawing soldiers and their descendants from near and far to the frosty, atmospheric service. With its centenary fast-approaching the trustees would like to see the memorial restored to its former glory in time for the anniversary.
Fifty-one men and women from the district served in World War I, and another 67 in World War II. Plaques on the memorial also commemorate those who served in later conflicts.
“The memorial needs to be restored, not refurbished,” Mr Cork said.
Anyone who feel they have the necessary skills and resource is encouraged to contact Mr Cork on (02) 6734 6281 or Mrs Davies on 0491 108 558 to determine a quote so grant money can be allocated.