War memorial could honour Clifton soldier
A MEMORIAL to fallen soldier Kieron Hill could be created in Clifton.
Kieron, 20, a lance corporal, was killed in an explosion while on patrol with the 2nd Battalion the Mercian Regiment in Afghanistan on May 28.
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honour: Kieron who was killed in a blast
Hundreds of people lined the streets of Clifton for his funeral and now city council bosses want to look at the possibility of creating a permanent memorial for him, and the area's other soldiers.
The idea was discussed at the last meeting of the city council's Clifton, Wilford and Silverdale Area Committee.
Mark Hillary, area manager for Clifton, said: ''I've talked to members about the fact that we might create a war memorial as Clifton does not have one at the moment. That might be something we could work with the British Legion on.
''There are lots of ideas which we would like to talk to Kieron's family about. We want to see what they would like.
''I didn't know Kieron personally but I went to his funeral and it was incredibly emotional. The reaction from people in the area was phenomenal, there were hundreds of people there.''
Lord Mayor Jeannie Packer, who is councillor for Clifton South, said: "It's important that we give the community a way they can remember this young man and recognise his contribution.
"I went to the funeral in my capacity as Lord Mayor and it was very touching. Everyone was so proud to have known him, you could just sense it.
"The turn-out was quite something, people lined the streets."
She added it was possible the memorial could incorporate other war heroes from Clifton.
She said: "I think it's important that we do something, and it need not be just for Kieron. There may be others from Clifton that we want to remember as well." Kieron's family welcomed the proposals. His mum Vicki Holmes said: "I think it would be really good because there is nothing like that in Clifton. It's an honour."
She said the family had been overwhelmed by all the support they have had over the past few weeks.
She said: "We've had letters from the Prime Minister and Prince Charles and a huge bunch of flowers from Prince Charles."
His stepdad John Holmes said: "We want to say a big thank you to the Clifton community, too. It was really touching to see how many people wanted to turn up and pay their respects at his funeral."
Mrs Holmes said the support has helped them to get through the difficult time. She said: "It's been hard, but we are taking it a day at a time."
Mr Holmes said: "While they [the Mercians] are still over there in Afghanistan we just think he's still out there with them.
''I think it's when they come back that it will really hit us."
The couple have found some comfort in the form of their new Shih Tzu puppy, which they have named Hero in memory of Kieron.
Mrs Holmes said: "Kieron's auntie got one about two days after everything happened.
'' I was never really a dog person, but during those days he was probably the only thing that put a smile on our faces, so that's why we decided to get our own."
Kieron's auntie Jackie Hill, who has helped to organise a collection of gift parcels for soldiers still in Afghanistan said: "I think a memorial is a lovely idea.
"The response from people has been brilliant, but that's how Clifton is when things like this happen."
The family has collected more than 200 parcels of toiletries, food and other items to send to troops.
The first 120 went this week and the rest will be sent over the next few days.
The family also asked for donations to Help the Heroes instead of flowers at Kieron's funeral and have received more than £1,500.
sarah.gillett@nottinghameveningpost.co.uk
12 Comments
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by MadBadger, The Sett
Monday, July 06 2009, 4:05PM
“A.E., tell me something I didn't know.
But if you read my post properly you will have seen that I was specifically referring to the Clifton ESTATE, which is separate from Clifton village.”
by jim, waiting to vote red,white and blue
Sunday, July 05 2009, 11:01PM
“errrmmmmmmmmmmmmmm, back to Wikipedia then Badger !”
by An Englishman, Nottingham
Sunday, July 05 2009, 8:26PM
“Clifton was developed from a settlement which is over a thousand years old.
Facts MadBadger. Try to use them every now and again.”
by MadBadger, The Sett
Sunday, July 05 2009, 1:55PM
“I think a memorial would be a fitting tribute.
But daleabb, seriously. The reason why villages have memorials and Clifton doesn't yet is because far more young men died in the First and Second World Wars. Far more people were then serving and whole villages had virtually their whole menfolk wiped out, particularly in the First because many villagers joined-up together and were assigned to the same units.
Clifton estate, on the other hand, was built after the Second World War.
Do you see yet?
Please learn a little before you post your drivel.”
by STW, Nottingham
Sunday, July 05 2009, 8:07AM
“How typical (and obscene) of the Stop The War Coalition...'
I don't know what you're talking about. I'm not a part of any such organization. I do think that it's a good idea to Stop The War though, for the legitimate reasons that I stated. There are, after all, no legitimate reasons to continue it.
Where is this 'cheap shot at our soldiers' that you mentioned. Please point it out.
If we want to stop terrorism, we have to stop causing and participating in it. But then, if you were really interested in stopping such things, I expect you'd already understand this.”
by S, Wilford
Sunday, July 05 2009, 6:09AM
“So stw have their right of opinion, which I too don't agree with. stw have no compassion just cheap, smart comments trying to gain mileage for their antics.
The monument is long overdue, not only for Keiron but others from past wars.
stw are on a path of self destruction everytime they get out into print they can't help putting their feet in their mouths and alienating more folks wih their comments”
by jackie, Clifton
Saturday, July 04 2009, 7:42PM
“What a fantastic and lovely idea.
Our hero's will never be forgotten then!!”
by daleabb, nottingham
Saturday, July 04 2009, 3:44PM
“Why has Clifton not got its own war memorial ?
Bestwood Village which is much smaller than Clifton has its own memorial, which was put there after the first World War. (When no one had any money) but then in them days they had there prioritys right.
just go's to show how thing have changed.
Kieron will have his name on the war memorial in Staffs,”
by Brian Costello, Rainworth
Saturday, July 04 2009, 2:17PM
“How typical (and obscene) of the Stop The War Coalition, to add a comment to this story and not even have the bottle to put a real name on it. What the hell makes the plight of Afghani families more important than the lives of our soldiers!?!?! You people will take any opportunity to take a cheap shot at our soldiers who are doing an incredible job in circumstances you cannot begin to comprehend. But hey, tell you what, you and your left-wing whingers carry on letting anyone who wants, come into the UK and bleed it dry and let a murderous bunch of death-worshipping religious fanatics do whatever the hell they want to their fellow-countrymen. Have a group hug and share around the your low-fat, macrobiotic peace crisps and watch the countryimplode.”
by Nigel, Hucknall.
Saturday, July 04 2009, 11:32AM
“Greg, Notts.......
In answer to your query, such is practiced here in Hucknall.
One our our local lads, killed in Afghanistan last year, recently had his name inscribed, on the War Memorial in Titchfield Park.
STW, Nottingham....
Whilst you are entitled to your opinion (Of which I dont share).
I question the sensitivity and timing, of your posted comments!.....
Please practice a little compassion, if only out of respect for the grieving readers!.
THANK YOU!!.....”