"Destiny"Peace Memorial restored

On May 22nd the mayor, Raushan Ara, cut a ribbon to celebrate the restoration of the Destiny Peace Memorial in Albion Gardens. This memorial remains unusual, not just through its depiction of a female figure, but also because rather than only remembering those who gave their lives, it commemorates all who contributed to WW1 – includes the contribution of animals. The memorial was unveiled on 17th December 1920 having been presented to Ramsgate by Dame Janet Stancomb-Wills. The ceremony was attended by the then Mayor Mr R W Philpott, and the statue’s sculptor Gilbert Bayes, as well as various other members of the local community. In 1921 the memorial suffered some minor vandalism with more serious damage occurring in 1968 when the plinth and statue were pushed over. Thanks to local residents who first raised the issue of the condition of the memorial and thanks also to Ramsgate Town Council and The Ramsgate Society for funding this restoration project.I would also like to thank Cllr Helen Crittenden who drew the issue of the condition of Destiny to the attention of the Ramsgate Society and also Sam McNeil of Paye Stonework Ltd who carried out the restoration works. Also, not forgetting the Ramsgate Town Council Technicians who provided some of the equipment needed. If you visit the newly restored Destiny memorial you will also find a new plaque nearby which we have part funded to make more people aware of some of the interesting information about the memorial and its origins.

Image courtesy of Ramsgate Town Council