Plaque unveiled to thank sponsors of Wroughton Spitfire bench

By Jessica Durston - 8 August 2022

CommunityBusiness
  • Lucie Elvins, a representative of Bellway (left) and Beverley Margerison, Chair of Vision 4 Wroughton, sitting on the new Spitfire bench in Wroughton

    Lucie Elvins, a representative of Bellway (left) and Beverley Margerison, Chair of Vision 4 Wroughton, sitting on the new Spitfire bench in Wroughton

A commemorative plaque is now on display in Wroughton to thank those who contributed towards the cost of replacing a war memorial bench.

  • The plaque which was unveiled to thank those who funded the replacement bench, including Bellway, which is building new homes in Wroughton

    The plaque which was unveiled to thank those who funded the replacement bench, including Bellway, which is building new homes in Wroughton

The plaque was unveiled by Vision 4 Wroughton in June at Willow-Brook Gardens, next to Ellendune Community Centre in the village.

The replacement bench was installed in 2020 to mark the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Britain, and was funded by various local people and organisations.

These sponsors include housebuilder Bellway, which is building new homes at Ridgeway Park, off Marlborough Road in Wroughton.

The bench is one of three which had originally been installed in the gardens several years previously. The anniversary project, which was supported by a £500 donation from Bellway, saw its replacement, as well as replacing the bases of the two other benches.

Beverley Margerison, Chair of Vision 4 Wroughton, said: “The bench was a replacement for one of the aeroplane benches that had deteriorated over time. The benches hold a special significance for local people here and pay homage to the role of the Wroughton airfield in the Second World War.

“All three benches are popular with the villagers and are in regular use by those in the community. They are an ideal place to meet for a chat, and were especially popular during lockdown, when indoor meeting was prohibited.

“It was great to have had representatives from most of our sponsors present, and to have unveiled this plaque, which will serve as a visual reminder of those who helped us to replace a much-loved local feature.

“Vision 4 Wroughton has a very small budget and, as a result, things like this just would not be possible without our sponsors. Myself and my colleagues at Vision 4 Wroughton are very grateful to Bellway and all our other sponsors for helping us to replace the bench and restore this space back to its former glory.”

Rachel Way, Sales Manager for Bellway South West, said: “We were more than happy to contribute towards the replacement of this bench that commemorates and pays tribute to those who fought and sacrificed their lives in the Second World War.

“It was lovely to see the plaque unveiled and we are pleased to have been able to play our part alongside the other sponsors in helping to preserve a much-loved local meeting place.

“We hope that these benches remain popular for many years to come and continue to preserve the rich history of the village of Wroughton.”

More information about Bellway’s Ridgeway Park development can be found online at https://www.bellway.co.uk/new-homes/south-west/ridgeway-park or by calling the sales team on 01793 352642.

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