Work to create Centenary Fields in the region will be put in front of councillors next week. At the meeting of Communities committee (6 February) Councillors will be asked to give the go ahead for five locations in the region to go for Centenary Fields status.
Centenary Fields is a partnership programme led by Fields in Trust and the Royal British Legion to commemorate World War I through protecting green spaces. It was launched by HRH The Duke of Cambridge in 2014 to mark the centenary of World War 1 and will close in 2018.
Centenary Fields aims to protect at least one site in each local authority area across the UK. Sites containing war memorials which are used for active recreation, sport and/or play are appropriate green spaces which can be nominated. Councillors will be asked to agree that Maxwell Park, Port William; Lady Stair Park, Glenluce; Mavis Bank Park, Main Street Kirkconnel; Central Avenue Park, Gretna; and Colliston Park, Dalbeattie for nomination as Centenary Fields.
If the committee agree, officers will submit an application and thereafter Centenary Fields will visit the sites. If successful, the Council will install a commemorative plaque, supplied by Centenary Fields, and arrange an unveiling ceremony.
Speaking of the initiative, Chair of the Communities Committee, Andy Ferguson, said “By creating Centenary Fields in our communities, we are able to ensure that valuable green space is protected as a living remembrance to those who fought and lost their lives in World War I. At the same time, our local communities will be pleased that these valuable spaces are protected for future generations and will always be there. Dedicating these spaces as Centenary Fields is also in keeping with the spirit of our The Armed Forces Community Covenant.”
John Martin, vice-Chair of the committee, said “Centenary Fields is a unique way to commemorate the World War I centenary and remember those who lost their lives during the conflict, by protecting outdoor, recreational space in perpetuity. Those that lost their lives during the War were men and boys from local communities just like those in our region, so it is a fitting tribute that we remember them by dedicating outdoor spaces that are at the heart of our local communities.”
