howard mcsweeney1- Location: Dover
- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 62,352
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Guest 649- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 14,118
We have the very best in war-memorials in Kent and standing in the centre of our town.
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Sue Nicholas- Location: river
- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 6,025
Very welcome news .The simple simplicity with the figure of youth is beautiful,that's why some of us did not want flags stuck behind it
howard mcsweeney1- Location: Dover
- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 62,352
It is stunning and made even more interesting as the sculptor was born in Dover and served in the Great war.
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Guest 1862- Registered: 23 Sep 2016
- Posts: 163
#3. Sue, for your information, do look up the history of the war memorial. I did when I first arrived in Dover. A lot of the money raised by the people of Dover for that memorial was raised by the sale of flags. It is very much a public choice if flags are placed by a war memorial or not by the residents of a town, I would venture to add, in a democratic country anyway. Surely that could be established quite easily. I know that those who have visited me from various military establishments have pointed out that the flag in the corner by the town council offices is in a position that would not be tolerated at any military Base. As Dover is called Hell Fire Corner and there is such a vast military history in this town, the attitude towards the sovereigns flag is rather surprising. Too many infringements to sum up here for the protocol which should be observed. Having said that I have been pleased to see there is a permanent reminder of our patriotic pride on the top of the historical Town Hall. I agree there should not be a single flag behind the statue.
Keith Sansum1
- Location: london
- Registered: 25 Aug 2010
- Posts: 23,942
Hi Anna
I'm not sure if your saying you favour or not flags,
you will recall the damaging debate that took place at the recent time over a flag.
You may also recall there were a fair amount of attacks on the mayor and her family at the time
now, bearing in mind the mayor at the time I wouldn't say I support that much, but after long drawn out personal attacks, the mayor was in a no win situation
1; do nothing
2; agree flags on /around monument
3;put flags in another place
The mayor chose 3 the compromise but because of the time to get to a decision, and no onewanted the flag where it is now sited only helped to keep the argument going.
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Guest 1862- Registered: 23 Sep 2016
- Posts: 163
I should have added that the same article also stated that at the time, there was a worry about the placement of the memorial where it is now and it was felt placing it on the seafront would make it more appropriate . Personally, I am pleased to see it in situ in the town centre. It does however repeat the names already mentioned on the memorial by the church in the centre, that looks like most other WW1 and WW2 memorials in all the military cemetries I have visited over many years. Comforting and familiar to veterans. Also, was the memorial not granted Listed Grade I I status in 2012? All rather confusing . Not playing the critic, just looking for clarification
Guest 1862- Registered: 23 Sep 2016
- Posts: 163
Keith, I have not been in Dover for that long that I would be familliar with any of what you mention. So I can't comment. But should there even have been any dispute over it and what started it all off? Without the full facts it's difficult to judge but if a compromise is made, should it be at the cost of a respectful position of a flag, any flag? Why not have a flagpole over the door or in a corner in the front of the garden of Remembrance? I have little right to judge as my time in this town is limited but in all my years of being a military dependant, I can honestly say I have never heard of any disputes over flying a flag other than in this town, and that seriously surprises me, with its history in mind.
Keith Sansum1- Location: london
- Registered: 25 Aug 2010
- Posts: 23,942
well Anna I dont want to re run the saga so maybe leave that one
I think it has played out its day
hope you enjoy your time since in Dover
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Jan Higgins
- Location: Dover
- Registered: 5 Jul 2010
- Posts: 13,883
Anna what started off as a desire by quite a lot of people to have a flag near the Memorial unfortunately ended up with a fairly small but vociferous group having a verbal fight with the DTC and in particular the then Mayor and Town Clerk.
Which to me was a great shame as yes we ended up with a flag but in the entirely wrong place.
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I try to be neutral and polite but it is hard and getting even more difficult at times.
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Guest 1862- Registered: 23 Sep 2016
- Posts: 163
#9 and #10. Thank you. It leaves me no better informed Keith. Jan, thank you. So personal tussles between a limited number of people overrode the wishes of "quite a lot of people". How odd and inappropriate. Not a sign of efficient handling of the situation.
Yes, thank you, I am enjoying my time in Dover. I selected this town for its history and share it with spending time visiting many military friends .
Keith Sansum1- Location: london
- Registered: 25 Aug 2010
- Posts: 23,942
Anna
I differ slightly from jans view on the large numbers
but I do share the view with regard to the personal attacks
which really over took the reasoning behind the campaign sadly
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Guest 1292- Registered: 23 Jun 2014
- Posts: 23
We have, and are very lucky to have, a beautiful war memorial. It is wonderful that it has been recognised by Historic England. That is enough for me. I don't care where the flag pole is. The war memorial should transcend all such Earthly trappings and I believe that it does. Let's all just celebrate something good for Dover, something the town can be proud of. Let's forget all the angst and the arguments, they are in the past and have no place where people should come together as one.
Jan Higgins, Button, Reginald Barrington and
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Jan Higgins, Button, Reginald Barrington, Judith Roberts, Paul M, howard mcsweeney1, Guest 1935 and Guest 649 like this
Keith Sansum1- Location: london
- Registered: 25 Aug 2010
- Posts: 23,942
Most of your post I support
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