Timetable.
The timetable for the works was dependent upon sufficient funds being generated, as the West Midlands Branch of the Military Historical Society has permission from the MoD to construct the memorial stone and interpretation panel on their No.6 site on Hopton Heath Battlefield. Sufficient funding has now been generated by the West Branch.
Foundation construction works for the stone monument began on 15 October 2008, securing the existing planning permission from Stafford Borough Council, with a start having been made within the prescribed time limit.
Once the stone memorial has been installed and secured on this concrete foundation as some point in early 2009, a dedication/unveiling ceremony will be conducted commencing at 2pm on Sunday 22 March 2009, the closest weekend opportunity to the anniversary of the battle that actually occured around 3pm on Sunday 19 March 1643). Access to the MoD site for the unveiling ceremony will be by ticket only.
Management.
Now that the West Midlands branch of the Military Historical Society has generated sufficient funds to proceed with Phase 1 of the monument, the maintenance of the monument will have to be determined. It is currently anticipated that behind the MoD's protective security fence little in the way of maintenance will be necessary, though the standing stone monument would probably need to be inspected several times per year, and the 25 year lease with the MoD re-negotiated at the end of this period.
Other Issues.
Currently at least, access to the memorial will be by foot only with a footpath running parallel to the site of the monument. The former Borough Archaeologist wrote to the County Countryside Officer about signage to the moemorial. Previously it was proposed to "fix way markers" to the existing footpath signposts in the area. It was further proposed that additional new signage with new "way markers" attached, would be erected.
However, this will need further investigation by the West Midlands branch of the Military Historical Society.
The Stafford Borough Council had proposed to put information regarding the new memorial on the Archaeological Section's web page, but it is currently unknown if this web page is still in existence and if so, if it is still regularly updated. However, various other web page options, including those of the Stafford Heritage Group, Stafford Past Track etc., present other, possible alternatives to this.
An information leaflet and donation form have been created to supplement the promotion and fund raising efforts. Also, a book or CD about the battle is contemplated, donation requests, walks, talks and other fund raising efforts are all being considered and instigated as appropriate.
Possible Annual Re-enactment / Living History Event?
The West Midlands Branch of the Military Historical Society is hoping the imminent erection of the standing stone memorial on the Battlefield of Hopton Heath and the eventual erection of an interpretation panel (once funds permit) will act as a catalyst to instigate an annual re-enactment / living history event on the Stafford County Showground that is conveniently situated less than 1 mile away from the Battlefield site, and that is custom built to accommodate large numbers of spectators to such an exciting spectacle. (photo courtesy of Sioux Ball - Captured Times).
