A Saffron Walden-based company has partnered with a local secondary school to protect a memorial its students created to recognise those who fought during battle in World War I.
Acrow Galvanizing, part of Wedge Group Galvanizing, has teamed up with Sawston Village College in Cambridge to galvanize a memorial designed and created by pupils to commemorate those from the local area who lost their lives in World War I.
The plant provided its services on a complimentary basis to protect the sculpture, which depicts a tree made from steel, with the bark engraved with the names of individuals who lost their lives, and which measures at 4 metres high.
John Nicholson, Commercial Manager at Acrow Galvanizing, explained: “It was a great pleasure to contribute our services to Sawston Village College and its students and we’d like to thank them for approaching us. Myself and colleagues were invited to the open evening for the grand unveiling, which was followed by a dramatized performance by pupils showcasing the design process from the initial concept of the sculpture, through to completion.
“I’m very much looking forward to returning to the college to talk to students about what we do here at Acrow Galvanizing and the long-term benefits of galvanizing when compared to other finishes, as well as things they need to consider when designing a piece that will need to be protected.”
South Cambs Decorative and Fine Arts Society was responsible for the opportunity to create a commemorative sculpture and chose Neil Jones – a former pupil at Sawston Village College – as the artist for the project.
Ms Lesley Morgan, Arts Development Manager at Sawston Village College, commented: “Thanks to the team at Acrow Galvanizing for kindly donating their services to us and our students – we’re hugely grateful.”