The Bevin Boys were finally given the recognition they deserve today when the memorial at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire was unveild today by HRH the Countess Of Wessex. The event was attended by dozens of Bevin Boys from all over the Country while the National Press were out in big numbers to mark the occassion. Centre of the piece was Harry Parkes with whom I have worked from the beginning to create the Kilkenny Limestone Memorial. From the outset we wanted something rough and craggy that would best reflect the nature of their work and the toil they were put through. It was never going to be a shiny granite memorial. The tough Irish Limestone is certainly coal like while the rough surfaces have been retained, keeping its character and mirroring the unpleasant and tough nature of the task the Bevin Boys were set. I attach a link showing the unveiling of the dedication stone by the Countess of Wessex. Well done to everyone who made the day run smoothly, especially well done to Harry without whom there would be no monument.

www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-22433354