PRESS RELEASE
2nd March 2023

At the Full Council meeting of Royal Wootton Bassett Town Council on Thursday 9th February 2023, the Council approved a proposal for the replacement memorial at Marlowe Way, where the Poppy was previously.

The proposal agreed is for two “Tommy” figures to be installed on the plinth – the Council thanked all the members of the Forever Poppy Group for their hard work and determination to help deliver a suitable installation that reflects the original purpose of this memorial in our town.

In 2021, the Full Council approved the Forever Poppy Group, made up of local residents, to look at a replacement for the Poppy, and to start the fundraising process. This followed a particularly difficult time for the town after the collapse of the original installation, that for whatever reason set resident against resident, with unnecessary exchanges on social media verging on trolling, leading to this becoming a toxic and unpleasant issue within our town.

The Council have now asked Town Clerk & Business Manager, Mark Hopkins, to work with the Forever Poppy Group and the Grounds Team on the next steps, to agree a timescale and ensure the figures are installed correctly.

Will everyone like the new installation, or agree with the decision made, or feel this is the end of the matter, of course not. But, we have received a very kind offer for the new installation, the community group behind this have worked hard to get to this point, supported by residents, and we would ask that people are respectful with future comments and views.

We look forward to seeing the work completed, and something for residents and visitors to enjoy.

For more information on this press release please contact Mark Hopkins, Town Clerk &b Business Manager on 01793 850222.