Hospital workers' war plaques to be unveiled

The brass plaques, which have been restored after years of neglect, are to be put up in the community centre in Charlton Down, the former Herrison Hall hospital.

The panels, which have the names of 11 hospital workers who died in the two world wars, have been restored thanks to the efforts of Michael Tuck, secretary of the Frampton and District Royal British Legion.

Mr Tuck, 70, of Maiden Newton, explained that the plaques were originally installed on the wall of the village church.

He said: "One of the plaques was found outside the church after a robbery and the other came out of someone's garage where it had been put for safekeeping a few years before.

"We collected donations from the regiments of the men who are commemorated on the plaques to get them repaired and make them look like they used to."

Mr Tuck, who is also treasurer of the British Legion in Dorset, said all of the servicemen on the plaque had been workers at the hospital before they were called up.

He said it was important to have a memorial to them.

"One of these men, Stovey, died just a few days before the end of the First World War and there isn't a single memorial to him anywhere else, so this plaque is very important for him."

The plaques, one of which lists the 10 hospital workers who died in the First World War, and the other the name of the man who was killed during the Second World War, will be rededicated and installed in the Charlton Down Community Centre at a special ceremony on January 16.

Mr Tuck, a former magistrate, says he would like to get in touch with any surviving relatives or descendants of the dead men.

He said: "We have representatives from nearly all the regiments coming and they will be dipping their flags as the names of the fallen are read out, but it would be good if we could get people who are related to these men to come along as well."

Anyone who would like more information should call Michael Tuck on 01300 736230.