Steel Soldier structures in Purfleet that were damaged during the summer have now been replaced thanks to the support of ACS Stainless Steel Fixings and Vision Ltd.
ACS supports local communities across the UK by creating free-of-charge Steel Silhouette Soldiers for Remembrance Day. In 2021, Purfleet was recipient to some of the statues – with 26 of the structures standing proudly by the Thames. During the summer, the structures were vandalised, with one of the silhouettes – a tribute to the UK’s fallen heroes – ripped from the ground and thrown into the river, whilst a further two were damaged beyond repair.
ACS has now restored the installation, drafting in the support of Vision Ltd. David Flannery, ACS’s managing director, explained: “We were contacted by the Purfleet on Thames community forum with the sad news and gladly agreed to replace the damaged soldiers. We’ve also created an additional soldier to represent a newly discovered gunner who was born in Purfleet and died during WWI – known and honoured now as Gunner Sheringham.
“The new soldiers were installed in time for the Purfleet on Thames community forum’s Remembrance Sunday service which was held yesterday, and I hope that this restored tribute will remain in place for local people to commemorate their fallen heroes for many years to come.”
Added Rich Brealey of Vision Ltd: “We were honoured to work with ACS and restore this important installation. We are sorry to have seen the originals vandalised but hope the replacements will give the community a constant focal point to celebrate the armed forces.”
The news coincides with ACS’s latest campaign to support the Army Benevolent Fund (ABF) concluding – where the company offered free-of-charge steel Silhouette Soldiers for Remembrance Day. Businesses and individuals around the country have donated £5,145 so far, with over 780 steel soldiers already provided across the UK over four years.
David continued: “This project is one that has always been extremely close to the hearts of everyone at ACS and it’s been an admirable quest to raise much-needed funds for the Army Benevolent Fund. Here’s to 2024’s fundraising results being our best yet!”
In addition to the Steel Soldiers campaign, ACS has a long history of supporting ex-service people with the company guaranteeing a face-to-face interview for anyone who has served in the UK military and has signed the Armed Forces Covenant in 2021 – it’s a promise ACS upholds to help veterans and their families.
David concluded: “Honouring those who serve, and have served in the Armed Forces, continues to be our motivation as we conclude our fourth year of this campaign. Over the last three years, apprentices in our Leeds-based factory have created over 630 soldier silhouettes, raising £7700 for charity. We’re looking forward to finalising our 2024 efforts soon and donating the much-needed funds to the ABF. We thank everyone who has placed an order and look forward to receiving images of the soldiers in situ.”
Article originally published on 5th November 2024