The memorial to Newton's sons who fell in the war is now in position, and most will agree that it is worthy of its function. The one blot is the "barometer" which shows that there is still a deficit on the fund, but there is great hope that at the unveiling ceremony the whole of the money will have been cleared off. The flag day realised £27, and an unexpected contribution arrived yesterday afternoon in a cheque for £40 from the Trustees of Baker's Charity. The house-to-house collection has not been counted yet, but it cannot be relied upon to amount to the £80 required, and those who can assist further are urgently asked to do so.

THE CEREMONY

The arrangements have now been completed for tomorrow's ceremony, which will be distinctly impressive, and thoroughly in keeping with the solemn occasion.

The Territorials, Cadets, Ambulance-men, the Nursing Division and ex-soldiers will line the sides of an enclosure. On the north side of the memorial site, and in the enclosure spaces will be allotted to the near relatives of the fallen men, to the united choirs of the town, the Newton Town and Salvation Army bands, who will lead the singing, and the members of the Urban Council. It is hoped that there will be a big muster of ex-service men, who are asked to assemble in The Avenue at two o'clock prompt. Those who are able to wear their uniforms are asked to do so, and medals and decorations should be worn. The Church choirs will robe at St. Paul's Church and march to the site, while members of other choirs will assemble in the enclosure.

Inside the triangle there will be only two persons - a soldier and a sailor, standing with reversed arms, on either side of the memorial. The Territorials will be lined up for the salute in front of the triangle.

The opening sentences will be read by the Rev. E.G. Beckwith, rector of Highweek, and after the singing of the hymn "Oh God our help in ages past," the Rev. S. Lyne will read a few verses from the Book of Revelations.

The Chairman of the Council (Councillor W.R. Vicary) will then ask Lieut.-General Sir Charles Louis Woollcombe, K.C.B., K.C.M.G., to unveil the monument. Then will follow the bugle calls, the "Last Post" and the "Reveille." The dedicatory prayers will be offered by the Rector of Wolborough, the Rev. C.A.W. Russell.

Mrs. Viola Hamlin, who has lost six sons in the service of the country will lay the town's wreath at the foot of the monument.

The hymn "For all the saints who from their labours rest" will be sung, and the Chairman of the War Memorial Committee (Councillor W.H. Brock) will ask the Chairman of the Council to receive the monument as a gift from the subscribers to the town for ever. Councillor W.R. Vicary will accept.

The National Anthem will conclude the ceremony, and the troops will be inspected by Lieut.-General Woollcombe.

The Territorials, ex-service men and ambulance men will then lay their wreaths at the foot of the monument, and relatives of the fallen who wish to pay a similar tribute are asked to file around the monument, after placing their wreaths, to make way for others to follow. Artificial flowers or wreaths are prohibited.

The public will afterwards have full opportunity of looking at the memorial.

Last updated 22 May 2004