A number of Prudhoe Veterans, led by Craig Sewell and Michael Hillary have joined forces and asked the townsfolk of Prudhoe if they liked the idea of an Armed Forces Memorial Seat, the response was a resounding ‘yes’ and in view of this they set up a ‘Go Fund Me’ page to seek funding for the project.

The memorial seat they presented was along the lines of that pictured below but the idea is that the seat will be designed and built locally and that schools will be involved in coming up with the design.

The project has raised £770 (29 people) so far with donations still coming in.  The film projected on the outside of The Falcon on Remembrance Sunday, put together by Wayne Bond, asked for donations also, all of which will be donated to the project.

With regards the location of the seat(s) the following proposals were put forward:

The Bus Stop opposite the Dr Syntax as it is near the war memorial and the planting provides an attractive backdrop.The bus stop is regularly used by elderly people and the seats would be appreciated here.

The Glade as this is classed as the centre of town and there is also a war memorial here.

Near the bus shelter opposite Barclays.

West Wylam Bank (opposite Waterworld)

38 responses were given to a poll on social media with the following results:

• The Bus Stop opposite The Syntax (23)
• The Glade (10)
• St. Matthew’s Hall (1)
• Edgewell Cemetery (2)
• Bus Shelter opposite Barclays (1)
• West Wylam Bank (1)

The proposal received resounding support from Prudhoe Town Council at its meeting in November.  Members proposed that a seat be installed opposite The Syntax and another at The Glade.  The council was also keen to ensure that future maintenance falls within their remit, like other town seats.

Fundraising for the seats is on-going and a local iron worker is keen to deliver the final design; updates will be posted in the New Year in the hope that the seats are in place for November 2019.

If you wish to donate, please visit the 'Go Fund Me' page, by clicking on the link below: