Friday 17th November 2023 marked the 100th year anniversary of the unveiling of the Cinderford war memorial located in the centre of the Cinderford triangle. The event was organised by the Cinderford Town council and lasted 24 hours from 11am on Friday until 11am on Saturday. The Forest of Dean community, consisting of school children, army cadets, council members, the British Legion, the emergency services and the public, joined together to remember those who lost their lives fighting for the country and to celebrate 100 years since the first vigil of the memorial. Members of the community and public stood for 30 minutes at a time in all weathers, including strong rain and wind. 

To end the ceremony the Cinderford Vicar Rev. Barnsley led a short service at which the names of the people who died during world war one and two were read out. 

The names of the men from Cinderford and district who gave their lives in the First World War were read out by Cinderford town crier Jer Holland. The Mayor of Cinderford, Cllr Roger Sterry, and fellow town councillor Graham Morgan read the names of those who died in the Second World War.

A local Cllr said “It was important to us that we remembered the history of the war memorial in Cinderford and took the opportunity to remember all those who have lost their lives fighting for us and our country. I may be biased, but I think we have one of the best, if not the best, memorials in the country. I would like to thank everyone who volunteered their time to watch over the memorial and really do appreciate the turnout. It was important to make sure that we never forget the times of the past and by involving children, we have gone somewhat to keeping the memories alive for a few years yet!”