St John's Church, Goldenhill
Concerns have been raised at a recent meeting of the Sandyford & Goldenhill Residents Association (S.A.G.E.), in regards to a consultation period by the Diocese of Lichfield into St John’s Church being deconsecrated or sold off.
It was confirmed that church services are now being held at Tunstall’s Christchurch due to congregations at St John’s drastically decreasing in numbers.
The residents association along with Councillor Martin Garner are deeply worried about the memorial, which resides in St John’s Church, and what would happen to it should the church be deconsecrated or sold off.
An interesting piece of history has been passed onto S.A.G.E. which is a souvenir booklet of the dedication ceremony held on the 16th November 1947 priced one shilling (5p in new decimal currency).
The booklet confirms that the Stone of Remembrance was defrayed by the Goldenhill Women’s Voluntary Service, and the cost of the “Clock of Remembrance” was borne by public subscriptions and effort.
On the day Goldenhill paid tribute to it’s guest of honour Liet/General Sir Brian Horrocks of the Western Command.
The Stone of Remembrance remembers 47 soldiers in it’s “Roll of Honour 1939 – 1945” from Goldenhill and surrounding areas, who gave their lives for the freedom of our country.
Whatever happens to St John’s Church, we must always make sure that the memorial stays in Goldenhill so that our soldiers are always remembered.
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