A WAR memorial listing 98 names of young men who died while serving their country in the Second World War has been put on public display again - after spending a decade being hidden from view.
The plaque - which pays tribute to Holgate Grammar’s ‘Old Boys’ - was, since the Shaw Lane school’s closure in 2012, held within Horizon Community College before being passed on to Barnsley Council in 2017.
It’s understood to have been kept in storage at the town hall since but historian Jane Ainsworth - who spearheaded the restoration of the 13th (First Barnsley) and 14th York and Lancaster Regiments ‘Barnsley Pals’ colours at St Mary’s Church in the town centre - embarked on a quest to get it back on display.
It has taken considerable effort from Jane, Melvyn Lunn and Ian Harley, but just before Christmas it was transported to Shaw Lane Sports Club and erected in the appropriately named Holgate Suite.
Jane told the Chronicle: “It was the best Christmas present I received this year after attempting to get this memorial on display again for the last ten years.
“I am extremely grateful to the manager and trustees of Shaw Lane Sports Club for their commitment to ensuring that the men will be remembered and honoured as they deserve by providing a new home close to the old school site.
“Melvyn and Ian, who have researched the men, elicited the support of the Holgate Old Boys Association, who continue to hold their annual dinner in Barnsley in January and who are keen to view the memorial again.
“Barnsley Council supported the relocation of the memorial and Dan Jarvis MP was keen for it to be on public display again.”
Chris Barrow, director of CD Potter and Sons Builders, paid for its fitting at Shaw Lane after research revealed that the firm had erected the memorial in Holgate School 74 years previously.
Dan, who represents Barnsley Central, added: “I am delighted that the memorial has finally found a permanent new home.
“I am impressed by the tenacity and dedication to ensure the memory of the 98 brave men, who gave their lives whilst serving our country, is not lost and this important piece of history is available for current and future generations to see.
“I plan to visit Shaw Lane Sports Club to see the war memorial in its new home and pay my respects to the Holgate Old Boys who made the ultimate sacrifice.”
