Engineering a legacy: historic Epworth memorial restored for future generations

More than a century of Epworth’s history has been preserved following the restoration of the historic fence at the town’s War Memorial Field.

The project received £6,498 from North Lincolnshire Council’s community grant funding – helping to protect an important part of the town’s heritage for future generations.

Known locally as The Thurlow, the War Memorial Field was created following the First World War as a lasting memorial to the men of Epworth who lost their lives.

Rather than a traditional monument, returning soldiers and sailors supported the creation of a recreation ground that could be enjoyed by the whole community. The Thurlow Croft was bought for £500 by 20 trustees in April 1920 following a community fundraising effort, to be held as a public recreation ground and perpetual memorial to Epworth’s fallen.

More than 100 years later, that legacy is being protected for generations to come.

Cllr Tim Mitchell, cabinet member for finance and efficiency, said: “This is a wonderful example of how our community grant funding can help protect the places that mean so much to local residents.

“The craftsmanship that has gone into restoring the fence while preserving its original character is remarkable, and it is fitting that this important memorial is being safeguarded for future generations.”

Plans to restore the badly corroded fence began in 2021, when John Paul Haigh, Steve Holt and Andrew Dudley Wood began looking at how it could be saved while retaining as much of its original character as possible.

The restoration required a careful combination of craftsmanship and modern engineering. Original spikes were individually removed, straightened, grit blasted and repaired wherever possible. A further 100 spikes were sourced and their bends formed to match the originals.

New galvanised posts and rails were installed, with the rails laser cut to accommodate the spikes. The restored fence was also raised from ground level to help protect it from the corrosion that had damaged the previous structure.

Much of the fence was finished with a marine-grade primer and dark green enamel before assembly, while the existing gates and plaques were retained.

The restoration team hopes their work will stand the test of time. John Paul Haigh said: “We all believe that we should hopefully achieve another 100 years before it needs replacing again.”

Today, The Thurlow remains a volunteer-led charity providing recreational activities for the people of Epworth, continuing the community purpose for which the memorial was created more than a century ago.

Since launching in 2011, the Community Grant Fund has invested millions of pounds in grassroots projects across North Lincolnshire, from sports clubs and youth groups to charities, community organisations and parish and town councils.

The funding helps local people improve facilities, create new opportunities and deliver projects that strengthen the communities they live in.

Grants are available for junior and youth groups, charitable bodies, co-operatives, not-for-profit organisations and individuals demonstrating excellence in sport, art or culture. Support is also available for venue hire, helping keep community spaces open and active.

Find out how a grant could make a difference in your community on the community grants page of the council website [https://www.northlincs.gov.uk/community-advice-and-support/community-funding-and-grants/].