Oakham War Memorial Sparkles for VE Day, Misleading Report
Oakham's War Memorial is looking resplendent in preparation for the upcoming VE Day commemorations, thanks to the dedicated efforts of the Oakham War Memorial Institute. However, the positive news has been somewhat overshadowed by an inaccurate article published by Oakham Nub News, titled "Oakham War Memorial cleaned in preparation for VE Day: Former Mayor criticises Town Councils’ lack of support."
The article followed a complaint made to Oakham Nub News by the current Town Clerk for Uppingham Town Council, who also served as an Oakham Town Councillor. This complaint alleged a lack of support from Oakham Town Council regarding the cleaning of the town's war memorial.
However, evidence from Oakham Town Council minutes and a public recording of a recent meeting paints a very different picture. These records clearly demonstrate that Oakham Town Council did not refuse to clean the war memorial. Instead, the council considered a grant application from the Oakham Memorial Institute for the cleaning. Following this, the council agreed that the Town Clerk would investigate the necessity of the cleaning. Should cleaning be required, the council resolved to allocate funds from its existing ground maintenance budget to undertake the work. As the responsible body for the maintenance of the churchyard where the memorial is located, this course of action aligns with the council's duties.
Councillor Martin Brookes expressed his disappointment at the misleading article and the unfounded criticism. "The suggestion that Oakham Town Council showed a 'lack of support' is simply untrue," he stated. "We were following due process to ensure the appropriate action was taken regarding the war memorial's upkeep. We were prepared to fund the cleaning through our existing budget if it was deemed necessary."
Cllr Brookes further highlighted that this is the second instance this year where Uppingham Town Council's Clerk has made critical public statements through the media regarding Oakham Town Council. He commented, "I would have thought he was too busy doing all the wonderful things he tells us he is responsible for in Uppingham to make his unfounded remarks about Oakham and Rutland."
Despite the unwarranted criticism, Cllr Brookes expressed his pleasure that the war memorial has been cleaned. He also noted with satisfaction that the work was funded by the Oakham War Memorial Institute, meaning it did not require the use of taxpayer money. He suggested that the funds Oakham Town Council had earmarked for grounds maintenance could now be directed towards another area of concern: the upkeep of the churchyard. "Sadly, the churchyard currently looks such a mess," Cllr Brookes remarked, hoping the council can now focus its resources on tidying this important space.
The cleaning of the Oakham War Memorial ensures that it will stand proudly as the town commemorates VE Day, a testament to the sacrifices made. While the efforts of the Oakham War Memorial Institute are to be commended, it is important to set the record straight regarding Oakham Town Council's position. The council was prepared to act and allocate resources, demonstrating their commitment to the upkeep of this significant local landmark. The focus now should rightly be on the upcoming commemorations and ensuring the churchyard, the memorial's setting, is also presented with the respect it deserves.
