Second unveiling for festival plaque
A plaque commemorating the Festival of Britain has been returned to its traditional spot where it is hoped it will now remain undisturbed for "decades to come".
The plaque, which has been restored to its former glory, was unveiled at a ceremony in Amblecote High Street attended by councillors, historians and schoolchildren.
A blue curtain was placed over the plaque, on the wall of the Ruby Cantonese restaurant, and it was removed at the end of the ceremony by Dudley's deputy mayor Councillor Pat Martin.
It has been given a fresh coat of paint with words now a vivid white against a black background. Before, the lettering had faded and could hardly be seen.
Guest of honour at the ceremony was retired solicitor John Sanders, of Wollaston, who started the restoration project when he noticed the plaque had been covered by an advertisement for the restaurant. He wrote to Dudley Council asking it to take action and ensure the plaque was visible. Officers decided to take the opportunity to remove the plaque and have it restored.
The plaque gives information about a clock which was installed on the building to mark the Festival of Britain in 1951.
Councillor Martin said: "This is the second time the plaque has been unveiled. We want it to remain in place for decades so future generations will remember the importance of the clock. This is a vital part of Amblecote history and I am very proud to unveil it once again."
The plaque was installed in 1951 by the former Amblecote Urban District Council on the side of the old Fish Inn. The building became the Cantonese restaurant in the 1970s but both the clock and plaque remained in place. Dudley Council renovated the clock in 2002.
