'An enduring symbol of sacrifice and remembrance' – Newmill marks centenary of 'magnificent' war memorial clocktower
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NEWMILL came together on a "momentous day" to mark 100 years of the village's "magnificent" war memorial clocktower.
Dozens of local residents made their way to the Square to honour the monument and the 52 names listed upon it on Saturday (July 22).
The Remembrance ceremony included a parade led by Strathisla Pipe Band, including three Standard Bearers from the Royal British Legion and a number of local veterans.
Describing the day as "momentous", Church of Scotland Minister for St Fergus, Botriphnie and Grange Wiekus van Straaten led a prayer before delivering an address charting the history of the "magnificent" monument.
The names of the departed were read out by Rhona Patterson, Newmill Community Association chairperson, and village children laid poppies and crosses in honour of each one.
During his service, Revd Van Straaten said the memorial was an “enduring symbol of sacrifice and remembrance" and that the memory of Newmill's war dead “lives on in the heart of the community."
“This centenary commemoration a moment to recognise the preciousness of peace and unity," he said.
“Let us pledge to work tirelessly until conflict ceases to exist.
“May this memorial clocktower, standing firm through the passage of time, be a reminder of our responsibility to preserve the values for which these souls fought and died."
As part of a traditional Remembrance ceremony on the sunny day, Deputy Lord Lieutenant Dr John Harrington laid a wreath and took the salute.
Local councillor Tracy Colyer and Ms Patterson also laid wreaths, while Councillor Theresa Coull and Ann Hutton laid flowers.
Tributes in the name of both the Newmill Village Association and Strathisla Community Council were laid as part of the ceremony.
“It was a lovely service," Cllr Colyer said.
“And it's always worth remembering what has gone on in the past.
“It was a lovely service to put it all together.
“My father was in the Second World War too, so it is significant for me personally.
“It was well worth coming along to celebrate today, it has all been good."
Cllr Coull said: “Today is the result of a lot of local work.”
“It was touching for everybody in Newmill and the minister was great.
“He told the story of the memorial getting unveiled, which was absolutely brilliant."
After the event ended, the parade returned to Newmill Hall for tea, coffee and home bakes – soundtracked by the Keith and District Silver Band, with memorabilia on show and keepsakes for sale.
“Thanks to the village for coming out and for supporting me and the clocktower's centenary," Ms Patterson said.
“I was bit worried for a moment, beforehand, that we wouldn’t have enough children there to lay all the poppies, but they all appeared.
“In 1923, 3000 people came to the opening but, at 20 to two today, I didn’t think we would manage 30 people!
“But it was a good crowd in the end.
"It was a very special and successful day. Huge thanks to all participants and those attending."
Parade commander Ian Grant was leading his brother Eric Grant and brother in law John Sinclair as two of the Standard Bearers.
The Royal British Legion's National Standard Bearer Jock Davidson also joined the parade.
Mr Davidson, originally from Newmill, earned the honoured title by winning a national competition and decided to march at the centenary because of his personal attachment.
“It is a big occasion for the village," said parade commander Mr Grant.
“And also for me personally, as my wife’s father used to come from Newmill.
“100 years is a long time.
“I have been doing this now for over 40 years all over, including London and Europe, and here is as good a place as any to remember.
“We obviously got a good crowd.
“A lot of folk have put in a good bit of work to get it over the line."
The community has worked for years to bring the memorial back to original condition, re-pointing and cleaning stonework, sand blasting and painting railings, and replacing broken finials.
Local painter Graham Dalgarno applied the final coat of paint just weeks before the anniversary.
Ms Patterson thanked: Graham Watt of Saltire Memorials, for redoing the memorial names; keeper of the clock and joiner Les Coull, for maintaining and winding the clock every week, and for creating a new door; and Ronald Mackay, for funding the materials for the new door.
Oakwood Cooperage also donated flower tubs, filled by Dennis Innes. Flowerbeds were planted up on Saturday morning – with Dahlias bought from B&Q Elgin for a "huge discount".
She also thanked Moray Council for replacing bollards at the roundabout, after "years of badgering" together with Cllr Theresa Coull.
Newmill Hall Committee did a "fantastic job" with the tea party, she added, supported by a grant from the Beatrice Moray Local Micro Grant.
Another grant from the scheme also means that every Newmill Primary school pupil will receive a water bottle.
Keepsakes are still for sale from various shops in Keith or on the inKeith website or by calling Ms Patterson on: 07974 778491
Revd Van Straaten said he was "very privileged" to play a key role in proceedings, but said the focus should be on the ceremony.
“Well I would say it’s much more the event itself which is important," Rev Van Straaten said.
“My job was just to highlight the event and to offer some commemoration.
“And obviously I’m honoured to do that. Very privileged."
The Keith Remembrance parade will take place on November 12 this year.
