Lasting tribute to war dead

SPECIAL dedication . . . (from left) Rev Parsons with a member of the British Legion, Gordon McGuffie and Paul Wooding

AN historical hand-crafted cupboard, which was almost consigned to oblivion, received a special dedication at a remembrance service on Sunday.

The cupboard is from St Paul’s Church, Scouthead, which closed four years ago, and lists the names of locals killed during the First World War.

Built about 90 years ago, the fully-restored cupboard, garlanded with poppies and flowers, took pride of place in a special alcove near the altar at Holy Trinity Parish Church in Dobcross.

It was discovered when workmen came to turn the former church at Scouthead into a streamlined conference centre.

Paul Wooding, a church warden at Holy Trinity, said: “The cupboard is a real piece of history and lovingly etches the names of people from the locality on its doors.”

Gordon McGuffie, a former church warden at St Paul’s, assisted at the dedication service with Rev Stephen Parsons, whose family have strong military links.

Mr McGuffie said: “The cupboard is a real treasure. It has been beautifully restored and it is very fitting that Holy Trinity should have it there for safe keeping.”

Mr Parsons added: “It was an integral part of St Paul’s. It has a great deal of significance to parishioners and is a lasting testament to the bravery and memory of locals who died.

“The cupboard really is keeping tradition alive,” he added. “It makes a very fitting addition to the church.”

Another section of the cupboard will be dedicated at a special ceremony in the new year to the memory of Holy’s Trinity’s deceased former organist, Cyril Walker.