New Benches and Tommies to honour War Heroes

November 2, 2018

Across the Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council area six World War One memorial benches and seven Tommies are being installed ahead of the centenary commemorative events taking place next weekend (10th &11th November).

Speaking about the installations the Mayor, Councillor Uel Mackin said: “These beautifully designed steel benches and Tommies offer residents and visitors a place to remember local veterans who were involved in both World Wars and subsequent conflicts.  Many lives were impacted and the Council is pleased to provide the benches and Tommies to the people of Lisburn and Castlereagh so they can reflect, remember and give thanks.”

The Chairman of the Corporate Services Committee, Councillor Nathan Anderson, said: “The benches and six-foot high Tommies are a poignant reminder of the dark days during the First World War. It is important that as a City we remember all the lives that were sacrificed.  With such strong military links it is only right that the Council provides amenities for people to honour our war heroes.  I have no doubt that the striking design on the benches and the silhouette of the Tommies will make the public think about the lives that were lost and the battles that were fought.”

The installations form part of the Council’s commemorative events marking 100 years since the end of World War One.  There is also a planned event to mark the 100th Anniversary of the formation of the RAF.

Speaking about the events, Alderman James Tinsley, the Council’s Veterans Champion, said: “The Council is running a number of weekend events (10th & 11th November) which are open to members of the public to attend. These include an afternoon of free activities at the Irish Linen Centre & Lisburn Museum to mark the 100th Anniversary of the formation of the RAF; the Royal British Legion’s Remembrance Service on Sunday 11th at 10.30am (War Memorial, Castle Gardens) and a special Beacon Lighting Service at Castle Gardens later that evening at 6.30pm. This is your opportunity to join with us in remembering our servicemen and women and honour those who lost their lives.”

For further information on all the events taking place please visit: www.lisburncastlereagh.gov.uk

The World War One memorial benches are located in Castle Street, Hillsborough, Killynure, Hilden and Maghaberry.   The Tommies are located in Lisburn, Hilden, Maghaberry, Seymour Hill and Moat Park.