Wiggin Memorial Gates Rejuvenated

The Wiggin Memorial Entrance Gates have been restored after the Parish Council were successful in securing funding.

The project to refurbish the gates in Alvechurch received £12,000 from the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

The playing fields were originally gifted for the use of the people of Alvechurch by Walter and Edith Wiggin in memory of their son, George Robert Wiggin, who was killed in action in Siani on April 23^rd, 1916. The Memorial Entrance Gates and Plaque serve as a testament to his sacrifice.

Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Regeneration, Cllr. Sue Baxter, said: “We are thankful to the Parish Council who have worked hard to secure the funding that made this project possible.

“The gates have hung in the entrance to the park for a long time, and it is wonderful to see them restored to their glory.”

As part of the restoration the gates have been sympathetically repaired by Peter Neale Blacksmiths. Repainted in the original colour, the Memorial Gates will now once again mark the entrance to this historic park, welcoming residents and visitors alike for many a year to come.

The gates will be returned and reinstated on 7^th November 2024, and there will be a short ceremony to celebrate their return at the playing fields on Monday 11^th November at 10am.