by Stephen Waite

A memorial for residents of a village who died in the two world wars is to be renovated.

For five years, Borden parish councillor Keith Lainton (pictured) has been working towards reinstating names on the stonework in the churchyard at St Peter and St Paul.

And last week, the Diocese of Canterbury and Borden Parish Council granted approval for the work to be carried out.

Mr Lainton, of Borden Heritage Group, said: "The memorial is made of sandstone and the lettering has weathered badly.

"If relatives visited, they would not be able to read it now."

Fortunately, Mr Lainton, with the help of his late wife Edith, recorded all 26 names, 19 of which lost their lives in the First World War.

Considerable research was necessary to find out which organisation was responsible for the memorial and a document unearthed at the county archives’ centre revealed the parish council took it on in 1922.

As a result, the parish has agreed to fund the renovation, expected to cost about £2,500, which has also been supported with a £1,000 grant from borough councillor Nicholas Hampshire.

Mr Lainton, whose interest in the memorial stemmed from his and his late wife’s families’ involvement in the First World War, said the design will remain the same.

A stonemason approved by the diocese is being commissioned to carry out the work, due to begin shortly.

Meanwhile, for the last 18 months Mr Lainton has also been working on creating a roll of honour for all those Borden residents who served in the two world wars and survived.

Names are to be put on boards which will go on display in the village, possibly at the parish hall.

It will also include a section for anyone who was missed off the churchyard memorial, who was killed in the wars.

Mr Lainton has been helped by villagers, including life-long resident Olive Palmer, 82, of Wises Lane, who is also a member or Borden Heritage Group.

She said she had named more than 60 men and women who went to war.

But even Olive was stumped by two names that feature on the memorial: F. Bradley and N .Webzell.

If anyone can help with more information about them, contact bordenrollofhonour@yahoo.com