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Articles
About the Project
"BRINGING
PEOPLE TOGETHER" by Marilyn Stephenson-Knight
One question I was asked about the Dover
War Memorial Project was whether there was any point raking over
the past. The dead are dead, and we can’t do anything about it –
so why not just move on?
There’s a short answer to that, is affirmed
every Remembrance Sunday. When we gather by the Memorials we’re
honouring those we lost. We’re acknowledging the great debt we
owe to them and to those who returned. We’re remembering too the
families left to grieve. We can’t undo what’s done - but we can
ensure that who they were and what they did for all of us is
never forgotten.
 But that addresses only part of what the
Project is about. Aiming to produce educational resources for
our newer generations, the War Memorial Project has sights set
firmly in the future. But it’s also working here and now for the
people of Dover, bringing people together.
A great success was the recent Project
exhibition in conjunction with the Dover Operatic and Dramatic
Society. Many relatives of our casualties and veterans were able
to meet on opening night, along with teachers, charity workers,
reporters, councillors, business people, and of course the
singers. “What a good evening,” said one relative to me. “I
came thinking I’d know no one and I’ve been talking to different
people all
 evening!” The exhibition continued to attract
visitors throughout the next fortnight, including students who
filmed it and primary school children who delighted in an
unexpected chance to try on the Mayor’s chain!
People are brought together in other ways
too. Local organisations ask for talks or articles about the War
Memorial Project. Research means meeting many people, who in
their turn introduce others who may help. Relatives of
casualties contact other members of their families (even as far
away as Australia!) to find out more. At the same time we’re
working together with other Dover assets. Gala Bingo borrowed
the exhibition panels for their D-Day event recently. We’re
interacting with Crabble Corn Mill on research, and they’ve
hosted a joint Project and Mill fund-raising barbecue -
 particularly appropriate and poignant because one of the then
miller’s sons was killed in World War I. We’re strengthening
cross-channel relationships in Belgium and France, and have even
attracted queries from Canada and the USA. Back in Dover there
was a happy personal bonus when, after having read some of the
research and realising we were related, a new cousin
unexpectedly ‘phoned me up to say hello!
The Dover War Memorial Project is already
much appreciated. “I want to thank you,” said one relative.
“We’re so glad someone still cares,” said another. That’s the
point. Those who fought and died matter, and they must not be
forgotten. But in remembering and honouring them the Project is
bringing together Dover past, present, and future. As one
correspondent said, “It’s a wonderful boost for Dover – no other
town can best us on this one.”
This article first appeared in Dover Life for
August/September 2006
Illustrations:
Crabble Corn Mill, River, Dover
French singer Clo Therouin, with raffle prize at a barbecue
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