Restoring the Evington War Memorial in 2014 (The Centenary Year)
The Evington War Memorial stands as one of the village’s most important landmarks and serves as a lasting tribute to those who gave their lives during the First World War. Crafted from Portland Stone, the memorial was designed by Stockdale Harrison and Sons Ltd and donated by John Edward Faire, the industrialist and philanthropist who lived at Evington Hall, now the site of Krishna Avanti School. The memorial was unveiled on 25 July 1920, becoming a focal point for remembrance within the village. Originally located in the centre of the Village Green, the memorial was later moved to its present position where it could be seen more easily from Main Street.
A Memorial in Need of Restoration
By 2014, the memorial and its surrounding site had fallen into a poor state of repair. The stonework was showing signs of deterioration, years of grime and moss had accumulated, and uneven paving had made access difficult. The surrounding planting beds were also struggling due to the shade cast by mature trees.
As the nation prepared to commemorate the centenary of the outbreak of the First World War, local groups recognised an opportunity not only to restore the memorial but also to reconnect the community with its history.]
The Restoration Project
The restoration project was developed through a partnership between Leicester City Council Parks Services, the newly formed Friends of Evington, and Evington Ward Councillor Baljit Singh. Community involvement was placed at the heart of the scheme, ensuring that local people could contribute their ideas and become actively involved in the commemorations.
Leicester City Council funded the restoration of the memorial itself, while Friends of Evington secured support through the Heritage Lottery Fund’s First World War: Then and Now programme. This funding enabled the production of a commemorative magazine, the installation of a carved wooden bench, and the organisation of a programme of events to mark the centenary.
The Time Capsule and Community Involvement
One of the most significant elements of the project was the creation of a time capsule. Local schools, community organisations and residents were invited to contribute items reflecting life in Evington during the centenary year. The capsule was buried at the memorial site and is intended to remain unopened for one hundred years, creating a direct link between present and future generations.
The project also included extensive improvements to the surrounding landscape. Volunteers from Friends of Evington worked alongside members of 2502 (Hamilton) Squadron Air Training Corps to prepare and plant new flower beds. Operating under the banner of Evington in Bloom, the project was coordinated by Malcolm Toon, helping to transform the area into an attractive setting for remembrance and reflection.
Improvements to the Site
The restoration programme involved a range of practical improvements, including:
- Re-laying and repairing the paving and steps.
- Installing a new black memorial bench to replace the ageing Royal British Legion bench.
- Adding a carved wooden commemorative bench.
- Creating an improved access path.
- Installing a new litter bin.
- Creating and burying the community time capsule.
- Refurbishing and cleaning the memorial itself.
- Replanting and redesigning the surrounding flower bed
Official Reopening
The restored memorial was officially reopened by Sir Peter Soulsby, City Mayor of Leicester, on 3 August 2014. The event brought together local residents, schools, veterans, community groups and representatives of Leicester City Council.
The reopening formed part of a wider programme of First World War centenary activities within Evington. These included educational projects, exhibitions, school participation, community planting schemes and the collection of local wartime stories. The commemorations helped a new generation learn about the sacrifices made by those whose names are recorded on the memorial.
A Living Memorial
Today, the Evington War Memorial continues to serve as a focal point for remembrance and community life. Annual services take place at the site, while the improvements made during the centenary project ensure that the memorial remains accessible, attractive and well maintained.
