Community to mark a century of Newmill War Memorial and pay tribute to village's fallen WWI soldiers
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A MORAY community is set to come together to pay tribute to 47 local men who paid the ultimate sacrifice in World War I.
Newmill War Memorial – which commemorates the lives of the men who died in The Great War – was unveiled on July 22, 1923, in front of a crowd of more than 3000 people.
More than 50 names are on now on the memorial, with the names of locals who died in various other wars added later.
Newmill Community Association is hosting an event to mark 100 years since the memorial's unveiling.
A service and march will be led by Stathisla Pipe Band and will begin at 2pm on Saturday, July 22. The names of all the fallen will be read out and a poppy laid for each.
Organiser Rhona Patterson hopes as many people as possible attend to pay tribute to those who died.
"We know there are a few things on but we would be delighted to see as many people as possible turn up and show their respects," Rhona said.
"We did a commemoration of 100 years since the end of the war, but we wanted to do a commemoration of the memorial itself.
"There will be photographs of the unveiling in 1923, old photos and memorabilia. We would like to see as big a crowd on the day as there was back then!"
Banffshire Herald archives from July 1923 tell a story of more than 3000 people attending the opening of the monument in beautiful weather conditions.
Strathisla Pipe Band also led a march that day – before, as will happen this year, the names of those who lost their lives were read out.
Colonel J.J. George, of Macduff, gave the dedication address. He said: "I have been present at the unveiling of many war memorials but I think yours is the most beautiful I have seen.
"This is the most sacred or sublime ceremony which has ever taken place or is likely to take place again on this village square.
"This monument will stand here through the ages as a stern sentinel, keeping ever watch and ward."
Ms Patterson added that any veterans would be welcomed along to participate in the parade if they give prior notice.
Teas and coffees will be available from Newmill Hall, thanks to the hall's organising committee, after the event.
The hall will also have displays of memorabilia, and will host a model of the clocktower that was made by Newmill Primary School pupils.
Anyone with old photographs or memorabilia, or anyone searching for more information on the event, is encouraged to get in touch with Rhona on patterson-r1@sky.com or 07974778491.
