New war memorial unveiled in Feniton

Feniton has a new war memorial to commemorate the village’s fallen soldiers from the First World War.

Bill Knollman, who moved to Feniton 18-months ago, volunteered his services to create a new wooden memorial plaque for St Andrew’s Church.

“I was honoured to be asked to carve a First World War memorial for the church.

“The church was flooded three years ago in the storm of October 2008 so it seemed appropriate to use something from the church itself,” he says.

The memorial was made from a Victorian pew end, which had been damaged in the flood.

However, the former undertaker from London, who has had no professional training in woodwork, told the Midweek Herald that it is a hobby he has recently taken up.

“It is my biggest work to date,” adds Bill.

“A lot of hours have gone into making the war memorial. I think between 60 to 100 hours went into it, but I did do bits at a time.”

The current First World War memorial, a lych gate in front of the church, does not feature any names so it was decided it was time to have a new one.

The new memorial features the names Robert Hansford, Reginald Herridge, William Lovering, Tom Marshall, James Ross and Lionel Otton.

As David Lanning, St Andrew’s churchwarden explains, the idea seemed to come together after it was discussed by members of Feniton History Society, who researched those who died, as well as the church.

Then Bill offered to make the memorial.

He said: “We are absolutely pleased as punch that Bill decided to make the memorial.”

The memorial will be placed next to a World War II commemorative glass window inside the church. A special service will be held on Remembrance Sunday, November 13, at St Andrew’s Church , at 10.55am.

Anyone who is related to any of the names featured on the memorial and would like to attend the ceremony is urged to call Mr Lanning on (01404) 850699, chairman of Feniton History Society Christine Gibbons on (01404)850713 or Reverend Cate Edmonds on (01404) 85140.