Writers’ monument restored

A monumental moment for the Broadfield Park Friends’ Group (L-R) Neta Smart, Tony Smart and Ann Beasley

An important monument commemorating historical writers from Rochdale has been restored thanks to an artist and friend of Broadfield Park.

Commemorative bronze plaques were stolen almost 18 months ago from the Dialect Writer’s Monument which stands strikingly in Broadfield Park. After an appeal for the plaques to be found or returned failed, a member of the Broadfield Park’s Friends’ Group offered his artistic services to recreate the plaques.

Tony Smart from Rochdale has spent the last 12 months creating the new plaques which feature portraits of the famous writers; Edwin Waugh, John Trafford Clegg, Margaret Rebecca Lahee and Oliver Ormerod.

Mr Smart’s new gift to Broadfield Park was fixed onto the monument on Thursday 12 May 2011 coinciding with the Green Flag judges paying the town a visit to determine whether the borough’s favourite parks retain their prestigious Green Flag status.

Mr Smart said: “I feel extremely privileged for this opportunity to help restore such a precious local monument back to its former glory. I’ve been a friend of Broadfield Park for 15 years.

“I hope my gift will be equally appreciated by the local community and visitors.”

Colin Lambert, Leader of Rochdale Borough Council, added: “The Dialect Writers’ Monument has been an important historical memorial in Rochdale for years. We’re extremely proud of our heritage and are committed to preserving it.

“Thanks to Tony’s gift the writers’ legacies can continue to be admired and enjoyed for future generations.

“I’d like to say a huge thank you.”