Tommy's story has been written to encourage people to find out more about Ripley’s heritage, how industry in the area has changed over the years due to changing demands in particular different wars, and how the human element of wars over the past 100 years has affected the community.
The fictitious story depicting Tommy; is about Tommy and his friend Johntie who as young lads join up to fight in World War I, the story tells of their struggle out on the front line, and the impact the war had on them and their families, the story is also narrated by the author Bill, who is a World War II veteran.
The project also involved children from Lon’s School who drew pictures depicting Tommy’s story, each picture has been remade into a mosaic. The finished mosaics are mounted on 9 stone plinths which encircle the band stand, each plinth and mosaic have an excerpt from the Tommy Story bringing the story alive for all ages to enjoy.
The last plinth holds the old memorial plaque from the hidden area of the park, and the sundial has been re-sited to reflect the passage of time.
The project is being continuously developed as more events and stories are added, current veterans have agreed to tell their stories of wars, which have impacted on our country and heritage.
This project has been funded by the Armed Forces Community Covenant Grant, Ripley Town and Amber Valley Borough Council, and the Ripley branch of the British Legion.
In the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Remembrance Sunday is a day "to commemorate the contribution of British and Commonwealth military and civilian servicemen and women in two World Wars and later conflicts".
It is held on the second Sunday in November, the Sunday nearest to 11 November, Armistice Day, the anniversary of the end of hostilities in the First World War at 11.00am in 1918.
There is a memorial in Crossley Park as part of the Art feature, the main cenotaph is in all Saints Church in Ripley, a full role of honour can be found in "A life's work by Bill Hutchinson" using the links above. If you are a local you may recognise some of the surnames.
Contact the team directly on 01773 841335 or email landscapeservices@ambervalley.gov.uk
