A grandson of a World War Two D-Day veteran is meticulously restoring two prominent war memorials in Hull city centre, a deeply personal project undertaken in memory of his grandfather. Joel Haigh, 36, from Fresh Memory Headstone Cleaning and Restoration Service, was commissioned by Hull City Council to rejuvenate the Paragon Square War Memorial and the adjacent Boer War Memorial.
Mr Haigh's grandfather, Len Wooldridge, served with the Army Survey Regiment and was part of the second wave of troops to land on Sword Beach during the D-Day landings on 6 June 1944. Mr Wooldridge passed away in January 2008 at the age of 84. Mr Haigh described the restoration as a "real pleasure" and a "heartfelt" accomplishment, feeling a profound connection to his grandfather through the work.
The restoration process has been exceptionally thorough, with Mr Haigh opting for hand-cleaning techniques rather than power tools. He explained that "acidic" bird faeces, along with moss, lichen, pollen, and algae, had caused significant damage to the memorials. The cleaning involves removing each layer of grime in stages, a painstaking effort to preserve the historic Portland stone, which itself is estimated to be 150 million years old, while the cenotaph has stood for approximately a century.
Councillor Mark Ieronimo, Hull City Council's cabinet portfolio holder for transport and infrastructure, emphasised the importance of the project. He stated that the war memorials in Paragon Square are not only historically significant but also serve as a poignant reminder of the immense sacrifices made by those who served their country. The council's aim in commissioning the careful cleaning and restoration is to ensure these sites continue to be places of remembrance, reflection, and respect for many years to come.
Mr Haigh, who as a child watched his grandfather march in Hull's annual Remembrance parades, spoke of the pride he anticipates feeling at the next parade, knowing he has contributed to the preservation of these vital tributes. The works are hoped to be completed this week, subject to favourable weather conditions, ensuring the memorials are returned to their former glory for the community and future generations to honour.