Community group launched to care for Waterloo & Taunton War Memorial

A new community group has been launched to help care for the Waterloo & Taunton War Memorial after concerns were raised about its condition.

Emma Jones, of Perry Jones Funeral Services, took action after noticing the memorial was looking unkempt following the 2025 Remembrance Day service.

Ms Jones, who has organised Waterloo’s annual Remembrance Day services for the past few years, said she felt it was important to ensure the memorial remained a respectful tribute to those who served.

After the service, she contacted the council to clarify who was responsible for maintaining the site and to ask for permission to establish a volunteer group to help with its upkeep.

Since then, work has begun in partnership with the council to improve the memorial’s appearance.

Specialist contractors have cleaned the memorial, while new planting is being installed around the site. The railings have also been inspected and are due to be painted soon, and repairs to the flagpole are planned.

Ms Jones will also be issued with a key for the flagpole and intends to purchase a new patriotic flag to fly there as a symbol of respect and remembrance.

Alongside the improvement works, she is setting up a volunteer group to help with litter picking and general maintenance between the council’s scheduled visits.

She has also formally applied for the memorial to be listed by Historic England, a move which would offer it additional protection in the future.

The newly formed Friends of Waterloo & Taunton War Memorial Facebook group aims to bring members of the community together to help care for the site and ensure it remains a fitting tribute.

Emma said the group will allow local people to play an active role in preserving the memorial and honouring those who made the ultimate sacrifice.