Honouring our past
Standing quietly between the bus stop and car park in Hamstreet village, a solitary Tommy statue keeps watch – a powerful symbol of remembrance that now forms the centrepiece of a thoughtfully designed war memorial.
This project, completed by Early Birds Renovations in Autumn 2024, represents more than just another construction project; it embodies our commitment to building lasting connections within our community.
The Story Behind the Memorial
When Sid, a respected member of the Hamstreet Parish Council, approached Early Birds about constructing a new war memorial, we knew this project was an opportunity to create something very special. Located in our local community, the project spoke to our core values of community service and lasting impact.
In response, we provided our labour free of charge, while material support came from generous donations—including bricks from a larger building site in the village and additional materials from Mitcham Building Supplies, a family-run company that shares our dedication to community initiatives.
The memorial’s design, a testament to local talent, was crafted by Paul Hirst, a Hamstreet resident and accomplished architect.
A Village’s Wartime Legacy
Hamstreet’s connection to military service runs deep through its history. During World War II, an American pilot crashed near the village, about a mile from where the memorial now stands. This tragic event, though not directly connected to the memorial site, serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by service members from many nations. The new memorial helps preserve these important historical connections for future generations.
Designing with Purpose
The project began with the careful relocation of the existing Tommy statue, which had been previously donated and installed by the Parish Council. Working with Paul Hirst’s design, our team constructed the memorial to create a dignified space for reflection and remembrance.
During construction, we noticed the slabs around the village sign were uneven and posed a safety hazard. Though not part of the original scope, we took the initiative to relay these slabs and add a connecting path, ensuring the entire area would be accessible and welcoming to all visitors.
A Space for Multiple Memories
The memorial site holds particular significance for multiple groups within our community. When the Tommy statue was first installed, it faced an unexpected challenge – wear and tear from local students walking across the surrounding area. Rather than this becoming a point of conflict, it transformed into an opportunity for engagement when the school’s pupils created poppies to decorate the statue, showing how a memorial can bring different generations together in meaningful ways.
Building More Than a Memorial
“This project pushed us to go beyond standard construction,” says Lee, Director and Contracts Manager of Early Birds. “Every detail, from placing bricks to integrating memorial elements, was guided by our respect for the community. Despite challenges, our commitment to creating something meaningful for Hamstreet saw us through.”
The completion of the Hamstreet War Memorial has strengthened the bonds between Early Birds and our local community. Residents who previously knew little about our work have witnessed firsthand our commitment to quality and community service. Moving forward, we will ensure the memorial continues to serve as a dignified space for reflection and remembrance. We see ourselves as custodians of this site, and we are committed to keeping it looking its best.
As Sue, the Parish Clerk for Orlestone Parish Council, expressed, “On behalf of the Orlestone Parish Council, we thank all the team at Early Birds for your time, hard work, and dedication to the construction of the Pound Leas Carpark War Memorial.”
We invite everyone to visit the Hamstreet War Memorial. Whether you’re honouring those who served or seeking a moment of quiet, this space belongs to the entire community.
The memorial represents what can be achieved when a community unites with purpose. Early Birds is proud to have contributed to this meaningful project, creating a lasting tribute to honour sacrifices and celebrate resilience.
We look forward to the official unveiling in the spring, celebrating this collective effort. This tribute will continue to inspire reflection, connection, and remembrance for generations to come.
