New Wolverhampton benches honour First World War heroes

Benches adorned with poppies and silhouettes of soldiers are set to commemorate Wolverhampton's war heroes.

Mayor of Wolverhampton Councillor Phil Page, Councillor Linda Leach, chair of the City of Wolverhampton Council's Remembrance Committee, and Peter Murphy, President of the Bilston branch of the Royal British Legion

Nine steel benches are currently being installed across the city ahead of the centenary of the end of the First World War.

Bilston, Tettenhall, Wednesfield and the city centre will soon house the commemorative benches, offering residents a place to remember the sacrifices of Wolverhampton's veterans.

Mayor of Wolverhampton, Councillor Philip Page, said: "The First World War touched every family in Wolverhampton, and these benches are a poignant reminder of what the country went through during those incredibly dark days a century ago."

Benches, commissioned by Wolverhampton council, will stand outside St Peter's Collegiate Church, by the Cenotaph and the war memorial gardens, as well as at the Interchange.

There will be benches installed either side of Oxford Street war memorial in Bilston, and at Tettenhall's Upper and Lower Green.

City council leader Councillor Roger Lawrence with the First World War memorial bench which has been placed by Wolverhampton bus station

Wednesfield's St Thomas' Memorial Gardens and High Street will also see new benches installed.

Councillor Linda Leach, chairwoman of the council's Remembrance Committee, said: "It's incredibly important that we as a city remember the sacrifices made by those who gave their lives during the First World War to ensure our peace and freedom.

"We hope the benches will provide a place for people to spend time to reflect, remember and give thanks."

The benches have been produced by David Ogilvie Engineering and will have a 20-year life span, replacing some existing seating which will be refurbished.

On each bench a plaque will read: "Placed here on behalf of the people of the City of Wolverhampton to commemorate 100 years since the end of World War One and to remember those who served. 1918-2018."

The initiative is one of a handful of activities due to take place across the city this year to mark 100 years since the end of the First World War at 11am on November 11, 1918.

Wolverhampton council also signed the Armed Forces Community Covenant, pledging to support the ex-servicemen and women.

Peter Murphy, president of the Bilston branch of the Royal British Legion, said: "The Royal British Legion is pleased to be supporting this important initiative which will provide a long-lasting memorial to those who fought and died in the First World War.”