The Copheap Memorial is due to undergo some much-needed restoration works. It is a well-known memorial and attached to a popular pathway which gets frequent use. Town Council Officers and Councillor Bill Parks have conducted a preliminary visit and assessed it will require multiple contractors to effectively restore. The project has been approved by Warminster Town Councillors, and a plan is being drawn up regarding how best to approach the situation.
The memorial itself was built between 1949-50 by the then Warminster Urban District Council, largely at the instigation of Mr Harold Dewey, a well-known local teacher and councillor.
The design is said to have been created by the Wiltshire Regiments of Old Comrades and the Royal Artillery Association. It serves as an everlasting tribute of pride and gratitude to the people of Warminster who gave their lives in the World Wars. Mr. Dewey’s will explicitly stated that ‘The trustees shall ensure that provision is made out of my Residual Estate for the repair and improvement (including the provision of flowering shrubs and seats) in or at the Copheap Memorial at Warminster and the pathway of Remembrance leading thereto.’
The proposed restorative works will include:
- Resurfacing the tarmac pathway.
- Cleansing the gullies and improving drainage.
- Provide flowering shrub beds or wildflower seeding by the pathway.
- Re-locate existing litter bin from away from front of lych gate.
- Tidy the foliage at the entrance steps and paint the railings.
- Improve pathway beyond lych gate leading up to Copheap Hill
- Inspect, clean, and repair the lych gate structure and seating and roof tiles.
Owing to Warminster’s strong military connection, town councillors believe it is an important task to undertake upkeep of its memorial sites. Funding for the restoration will come from the Dewey Trust.
Last modified: 25 July 2023
