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The World War I Cenotaph in the Levin Public Gardens on a glorious spring day.

Help us update our war memorial

History is repeating as The Chronicle and the Adopt an Anzac group backed by Horowhenua District Council launch an appeal to raise money for a major town centre project to remember our war dead.

It's almost 90 years since the cenotaph in the Levin Public Gardens was built after The Chronicle launched an appeal for funds.

Now the newspaper is backing plans for an upgrade to the memorial that will cost up to $100,000 depending on how much free labour, machinery and materials are donated.

The existing cenotaph in the gardens will remain as the focus for a revamp of the area which will feature a pave memorial plaze with boxes made of toughened glass with the images of poppies inside.

Each one will be lit so the memorial will glow red at night and be a constant reminder to passers-by of its significance.

The redevelopment will fit in with the rejuvenation of the rose gardens and integration of the historic courthouse on the opposite side of cambridge street.

"We would love to hear from anyone who would like to make a donation in cash or kind," chairman Tom Hayes said.

The Chronicle general manager David Hill is right behind adopt an anzac's plans.

"The paper is proud to be associated with this appeal and we give it our full support," he said.

Cash donations can be made at The Chronicle office, Bristol Street, Levin, or at the Westpac bank in Levin.

They will be acknowledged in the Chronicle unless the donor wants to remain anonymous.

The project is a major undertaking for Adopt an Anzac, a small group with just seven members.

It is not included in the council's forward planning so it has no money available.

However, the council is backing the plan and has provided officer support through parks assets manager Doug Tate who is working with the group and has arranged for plans to be drawn up.

Adopt an Anzac is applying to charities and other organisations for funding as well as launching the public appeal.

"The original cenotaph was built after public subscription and we hope the people of Levin and district will be keen to help us achieve our goal," Mr Hayes said.

"There is a growing interest in remembering our soldiers - as shown on Anzac Day - and this project is another way they can show their gratitude for those who lost their lives.

"The new panels around the cenotaph will not only remember those who have been left off the original cenotaph but will also be a memorial to all those who served in world conflicts and have since died... the servicemen and women who returned from war and made their home in our town."

There are a number of ways people can help, mr hayes said.

"Obviously with a cash donation but people can provide labour or businesses can provide tools, materials and machinery."

Manpower and light vehicles to initially remove the rocks and boulders around the cenotaph and then build the new, sloped lawn is a major requirement.

All kinds of building materials will be necessary including cement and building mix, framing for the curbing and base work for the walls.

Bricks, blocks, stones, paving stones, electrical ducting and cabling and lots of topsoil are some of the things that will be needed.

Electrical work is part of the overall project.

Ducting and cabling for the poppy boxes in the new memorial plaza will have to be put in even if funding to complete them is not immediately available.

"The poppy boxes are an appealing part of the plan and businesses or families may like to pay for one as their contribution to the project," Mr Hayes said.

The cost of each box has been estimated at $1500.

Mr Hayes said Adopt an Anzac is also pursuing other options for labour and services that might become available from outside our district.

Levin RSA president Robin rRchardson said the project is a huge task but the town got behind the cenotaph when it was first built and it could again.

"I hope that the community will do all they can to assist in the necessary fundraising efforts," he said.

Courtesy of The Chronicle, Levin

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