A 2018 grant to fund the capping of the new Exeter War Memorial stone wall with the words LEST WE FORGET completes the Memorial’s upgrade.
Over the past 18 months, donations of time and money from volunteers led by Simon Bathgate, president of Exeter Village Association, has resulted in the design and construction of a curved stone wall set in a garden of Gallipoli rosemary and a new flagpole donated by Wingecarribeeshire Council. The original Exeter War Memorial had to be moved due to extensive renovations to the Village Hall and carparking facilities. Local craftsman Lee Thomas of J&J Stonemasons and his team backed up by Ross Hawke, John McNamara, Rick Beers, Ross Parker and David Williamson graded and mulched, turfed and planted the garden.
The grant application to VMT prepared by Angela Williamson has made a significant contribution to the funds raised by volunteer efforts. The result is a Memorial with greater visibility and easier public access for the laying of wreaths at commemorative services which is more important than ever with more than 300 at ANZAC Day this year. In his 2018 address, Mayor Ken Halstead described the new setting as “superb”.
