Skegness shopping centre salutes Captain Tom Moore's 100th birthday

Staff with 'The Fallen 3' at the Hildreds Centre in Skegness.Staff with 'The Fallen 3' at the Hildreds Centre in Skegness.
Staff with 'The Fallen 3' at the Hildreds Centre in Skegness. | jpimedia
As the nation salutes the remarkable Second World War veteran who has raised more than £29 million for the NHS, Skegness has unveiled its own tribute.

The talented manager of the Hildreds Centre, Steve Andrews, has been busy using his skills to create a VE75 commemorative sculpture called 'The Fallen 3' - representing our land, air and sea armed services.

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Mr Andrews said it was a fitting tribute to unveil the finished statue for Captain Tom's 100th birthday today (Thursday). The war veteran, who raised the incredible sum for the NHS by walking laps of his garden, turns 100 today (Thursday).

The sculpture is situated in between the two doors at the front of the Hildreds Centre in Lumley Road.

The Fallen 3 have been unveiled to celebrate Captain Tom's birthday as well as the VE75 anniversary.The Fallen 3 have been unveiled to celebrate Captain Tom's birthday as well as the VE75 anniversary.
The Fallen 3 have been unveiled to celebrate Captain Tom's birthday as well as the VE75 anniversary. | jpimedia

"It was intended for the Tower Gardens for the Skegness Town Council VE75 event, but when it was cancelled I decided to still make it to mark Captain Tom's 100th birthday as well as the 75th anniversary of the Second World War.

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"I had several family members in the war, some of whom never came back, so it was a real honour for me to be asked by the Town Council to make it.

"The statue represents the three main armed services - the Army, Navy and RAF.

"It took me six days to hand carve from start to finish, but every member of staff at the Hildreds has been involved in getting it ready for the public to see.

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The statue took six weeks to make.The statue took six weeks to make.
The statue took six weeks to make. | jpimedia

"In light of rules regarding non-essential trips, we would like to point out the statue will remain in place for several weeks so shoppers get the chance to see it when restrictions are eased."

However, people who lost a relative in the Second World War are invited to make a poppy, with the name of the person they would like to honour on the back, to be added to the display. These can be posted to the Hildreds Centre.

Many special public events planned for VE75 on Friday, May 8, have been cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic, with people being encouraged to make bunting and celebrate in their homes.

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However, the Skegness Town Crier Steve O'Dare will broadcast his proclamation at the beginning of the day, followed by a poppy drop.

Communities are already coming up with ideas as to how they can celebrate the historic milestone at home.

In Burgh le Marsh, the residents of Elm Crescent are being invited to have a picnic in their front gardens along with their neighbours, while enjoying the two-meter social distancing rules.

How will you be celebrating? Email [email protected] with details and pictures.

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