A neglected war memorial in the Bradford village of Tong has been given a remarkable makeover, ahead of Remembrance Day, thanks to a determined local volunteer from SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity, and a community effort to honour those who never returned from war.
For generations, Tong War Memorial has stood as a reminder of the devastating human cost of the Great War, when local families lost sons, husbands and fathers who never returned home.
But over the years, the memorial had become overgrown, with bushes and weeds obscuring the monument and its surroundings.
Determined that the village’s fallen should be remembered with the dignity they deserved, SSAFA volunteer Terry Sanson spearheaded a project to restore the memorial, bringing together local volunteers and council support.
The results have been remarkable. Overgrown vegetation has been cleared, the stonework carefully cleaned and fresh gravel laid, transforming the site into a fitting place of remembrance once more.
The restoration was celebrated with a moving rededication ceremony attended by local residents, civic dignitaries and parliamentary representatives, including Lord Mayor, MP Anna Dixon, BTC Mayor and Vice Chair as well as family members of those remembered at the memorial.
The service included an Act of Remembrance, prayers, a blessing, the Last Post played by a bugler, two minutes’ silence and the National Anthem.
Veteran and SSAFA Branch Secretary, Terry Sanson, who helped coordinate the restoration, said:
“These men gave their lives more than a century ago, but their sacrifice should never be forgotten. It was important to us that their memorial should once again be a place where people could come to remember them with pride and respect.
“I’m incredibly grateful to everyone who gave their time and support. This has been a real community effort, and seeing the memorial restored and so many people come together for the rededication made it all worthwhile.”
Terry also thanked Reverend Ruth Yeoman from Baildon Parish, the volunteers, local councils and everyone who contributed to the project and the rededication service.
More than a century after the end of the First World War, the restored memorial stands as a testament not only to the sacrifices of Tong’s fallen, but to the determination of a community to ensure their names and stories are never forgotten.
Further planting and improvements works are planned and donations to deliver this project are welcomed by Terry and SSAFA- terry.sanson@volunteers.ssafa.org.uk.
SSAFA volunteers have been helping the Armed Forces community – regulars and reserves, serving or retired, and their families since 1885. To volunteer or fundraise for SSAFA, or to seek support, search for “SSAFA near me”.
