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Lest we forget – Great War Memorial Bench unveiled at intu Metrocentre

A memorial bench commemorating the Great War has been unveiled at intu Metrocentre, dedicated to the memory of the men and women of the north east who served in WW1.

A dedication and unveiling ceremony led by intu Metrocentre Chaplain Reverend Canon Lyn Jamieson took place in front of the Poppy Chandelier.

The Deputy Mayor of Gateshead Councillor Jill Green, veterans, intu Metrocentre staff, shoppers and choir members were in attendance for the ceremony which included prayers, hymns and readings.

The bench, donated by the North East War Memorial Project with money raised by the kind generosity of intu shoppers and the WW1 Centenary Ales Campaign, features the words ‘Lest we forget’ alongside red poppies, white doves and a dedication plaque.

At the ceremony the Last Post and Reveille was played, a wreath was laid and the Kohima Epitaph was read aloud.

intu Metrocentre Chaplain Reverend Canon Lyn Jamieson commented:

“The installation of this memorial bench is particularly poignant as it marks the centenary of the end of the Great War. It’s extremely important that as a community we continue to share the stories of our friends and relatives and pay tribute to their bravery.

“We hope that the bench will provide a place for individuals to spend a quiet moment reflecting and giving thanks to the men and women of the north east who gave their lives to ensure our peace and freedom.”

Gavin Prior, regional centre director of intu Metrocentre, added:

“The Great War Memorial Bench will be a cherished addition to our centre, one which complements our existing installations and yearly services which pay tribute to the men and women of the north east. We hope that shoppers will welcome the chance to take time out of their day to remember the history of the Great War and the important role played by people from the region.”

Ian Johnson, who has written a book about the Newcastle Commercial Regiment who fought at The Somme, and worked closely with the North East War Memorials Project, said:

“During the Great War the north east of England raised more battalions of soldiers than any other region of the UK outside of London and our famous local regiments paid a heavy human toll.

“Our civilian population also played a vital role in the Great War, providing the workforce for our enormous industries, our natural resources providing the huge quantities of coal, iron and steel required for the war effort.

“The massive effort and sacrifice made by the north east is something we all should be very proud of and ensure that we never forget. With the placing of this memorial seat at intu Metrocentre, many thousands of visitors will make use of it and remember.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Suhaine Baptie .