War tribute installed

A TRIBUTE to residents who fought and died in the First World War has been installed in Aldwick.

The Silent Soldier has taken pride of place next to the area's war memorial in the Millennium Gardens off Pryors Lane.

The decision to buy the striking metal silhouette was made by Aldwick Parish Council's members.

Their chairman, Cllr Lilian Richardson, said: "We always have a Remembrance Day service here in Aldwick and we count it as one of our most important days of the year, as do our parishioners who attend in force.

"However, this year is the 100th annniversary of the end of the First World War - a real milestone - and we wanted to try to mark it in a special way.

"When we were invited by the West Sussex Royal British Legion to sponsor a Silent Soldier, we thought this would be a fitting way of showing our respect.

"Two of our councillors - Cllr John Bass and Cllr Terry Mullins - together with our clerk spearheaded the proposal to go ahead.

"As a bonus, of course, sponsorship of the soldier also means the Legion can continue to care for and support veterans of all our conflicts since then."

The Silent Soldier cost £250 to buy and install. It will be kept in place until the end of this year.

As the property of the parish council, it can be used at any future Remembrance Day service.

The soldier measures 144cmx60cm, weighs 3km and is made of the aluminium composite sheet called dibond. He is supported by iron poles which weigh about 7kg.

Three of the silhouettes have been bought by Bognor Regis Town Council but Bersted parish councillors decided against the purchase because of a lack of suitable locations and fears of vandalism.

The centenary of the end of the First World War will be marked in exactly six months time.

This year sees Remembrance Day of November 11 co-incide with Remembrance Sunday, when most ceremonial tributes take place.

Cllr John Bass with Aldwick's Silent Soldier