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Thanks to a combined community effort, the Bilston War Memorial has been tended to, allowing for it to flourish for the future.

Following a call for support from a member of Bilston Royal British Legion, Edward Howell Galvanizers Ltd offered to provide the soil required for two brand-new timber planters installed at the War Memorial site, situated at the gateway to Bilston Town Centre.

Wendy Binder, Royal British Legion member, said: “Earlier this year, two planters were installed into the garden that surrounds the Bilston War Memorial. After calling out to our local community for support, we were thrilled with the positive response – many local volunteer veterans from Wolverhampton Armed Forces & Veterans Breakfast Club (AFVBC) donated their time to assist throughout the project, allowing the site to blossom into a peaceful and poignant place.

“Once the planters were fitted, we began shopping around local merchants for soil to be able to fill them and were quoted around £300. However, I then received an email from Edward Howell Galvanizers who’d seen our latest project in a local magazine, and they offered to donate the soil in full.

“It was an absolute pleasure dealing with Edward Howell Galvanizers – they were kind, supportive and accommodating. We are tremendously grateful for their incredible generosity, and to commemorate this, we will be installing a plaque on the planters to thank them for their support.”

The soil for the planters was delivered on Saturday 1st July, ready for the planting of flowers to commence, which was completed at the end of August. The planters are to enhance the colour and nature of the gardens that surround the War Memorial which was originally unveiled in 1921.

Charmaine Robertson, Administrator at Edward Howell Galvanizers added: “It’s always a pleasure to work with and support our local community. The hard work and dedication displayed by the Royal British Legion to maintain the grounds of the War Memorial doesn’t go unnoticed, and it’s a privilege to know that we played a part in enhancing this very special place where many people can sit and remember those that fought for our country.”

Originally made by Messrs Dove & Co of London, and designed by Sir Richard Blomfield, the War Memorial at Bilston is made of Portland stone and decorated with an elongated bronze cross. Names of the fallen are recorded on separate plaques on the brick wall at the rear of the gardens, along with a memorial stone to Victoria Cross recipient Lance Corporal George Onions VC (later Major George Onions VC).

Edward Howell Galvanizers Ltd is part of Wedge Group Galvanizing Ltd, the largest hot-dip galvanizing organisation in the UK with a history dating back over 150 years. With 14 plants strategically placed across the country, the firm offers a truly national galvanizing service.

By Wedge Group Galvanizing Ltd

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