THE Rowley Regis memorial to those who died in the First World War will be rededicated this month after being renovated.

The memorial, erected in 1920 by public subscription at St Giles Church, Hanover Road, will be re-dedicated on Saturday, September 28 at 10am.

The renovation was sanctioned by Sandwell Council after Rowley resident Geoff Tranter pointed out the names of the fallen were being erased due to wear and erosion.

St Michael’s School, the Rev Ian C Shelton, Sandwell Council officers and the British Legion all worked with councillors Barbara Price and Chris Tranter to look into the renovation of the memorial.

Sandwell Council provided the funding for the work and the group met regularly to coordinate the renovation project and plan the re-dedication.

Councillor Barbara Price, lead member for Rowley Regis, said: “This has been an excellent scheme which has involved so many members of the local community, including the church, the British Legion, schools and the council.

“It has been a privilege to be involved on this scheme and we have had regular discussions with the community and the plan received 100 per cent approval at a consultation event.”

The ceremony will be conducted by Rev Shelton, vicar of St Giles and the Archdeacon, the Venerable Hayward Osborne and guests include David Bradnock, the Deputy Lord Lieutentant for the West Midlands and the Mayor of Sandwell Linda Horton.

Sandwell Council leader Cllr Darren Cooper will also give a speech at the redidication.

Members of the British Legion will also be in attendance, along with local historian Richard Warby, who has researched the history of the memorial and the details of the fallen soldiers.

Students and pupils from St Michael’s and Westminster schools will read the names of the 98 soldiers recorded on the memorial during the ceremony. The school orchestra will also play at the event.