New memorial bench

Memorial Bench in Cleveleys

Last month Wyre Council installed a new memorial bench in Cleveleys, kindly donated entirely by local residents Paul and Sharon Riley-Clarke. This is the second memorial bench that the couple have funded. Both are on Victoria Road and are a fitting tribute to veterans.

This latest bench marks the centenary of the end of the First World War and its intricate design features soldiers, poppies and a poignant quote reading ‘At the going down of the sun and in the morning we will remember them.’

The Mayor of Wyre, Councillor Marge Anderton was at the unveiling of the bench on 28th November which took place at the Cleveleys Christmas light switch on. She commented, “The bench looks beautiful and it is so generous of Sharon and Paul to fund these memorial tributes. It was a pleasure be there for the unveiling and to have the chance to thank the couple for all that they do.’

Sharon Riley-Clarke, a paramedic who lives in Cleveleys explains, ‘We are so pleased to be able to donate another memorial bench to commemorate our veterans. It’s a nice thing to be able to do for the community. We loved the last one which was installed in 2016 and wanted to create another one to share with local people. Both my husband and I have a lot of respect for the armed forces, my own dad served with RAF for a number of years, so making this contribution is something that is close to our hearts.’