We have just completed a design and build project for Downham Market's War Memorial.

The memorial is the centre of activity for Downham Market on Remembrance Sunday but over the last few years, its narrow paths and cobbled slopes have started to cause a problem for the public who visit the site for the memorial services and as a communal area throughout the year.

Our brief was to create a new, safer site with wheelchair access, widening the paved area with reclaimed paving and completing the new look with low maintenance planting which should look at its best in November.

The Berberis and Bergenia were chosen to symbolise the red poppy and the Anemanthele lessoniana to symbolise the gold of medals well deserved. All these plants should be looking great in November with the Berberis turning bright red, the big leathery leaves of the Bergenia turning a deep wine red and the Anemanthele reflecting copper and gold in the autumn sun.

The naturally sloping site has now been transformed ready for the Remembrance Day celebrations on Sunday the 9th November.

It was an honour to be involved in this project helping to keep memorials such as this one at Downham Market a prominent feature of our towns and villages so that what happened in the first half of the 20th century isn't forgotten by future generations.

BEFORE...

AFTER...

Here's some photos of Richard and me with the Mayor John Leach, Deputy Mayor John Doyle, Bob Turner Town Council Project Officer, Horace Cross Chair Local Royal British Legion and Pat Roberts Town Cllr Chair of Remembrance Parade and Events.