Updates and information will appear on this page as the project moves forward.

06/04/2016

The marble plaque is with the Maire of Blairville and just needs fixing to the brick plinth that is now built. It has pride of place alongside the village monument which is having a spring clean prior to the ceremony. Photos here.

I have completed the CWGC paperwork to allow us to pay our respects with the family descendants of Edward Baxter and the villagers of Fillievres in the morning, at 10a.m., at the graveside in the British Cemetery on the outskirts of the village. Recommended parking and a map for directions are available here.

I have downloaded (and paid for!) military band versions of the National anthems and a copy of the Kings Divisional Band slow march along with the Last post and Reveille. I am also hopeful of having a piper, courtesy of the Merseyside and Lancashire RBL, along with the Regimental Standards(x4) plus those of the regional French organisations. It should be a fitting ceremony for the 100th anniversary of the action at Blairville. 

Speeches are prepared and I just have to meet with the church representatives to finalise their arrangements. 

There will be fifty schoolchildren singing the anthems so that should be wonderful, the speeches will not be too long and I shall do my best to translate, for the benefit of all the people that are making the trip from the UK, the words of the Maire and President of Souvenir Francais. 

I hope those of you that are attending have a safe journey. Please check for disruptions on the route prior to your departure, it is a bank holiday weekend, and the borders are still having disruptions and extra security checks.

20/03/2016

Absolutely over the moon.

I have recently received a donation from a man that, some time ago, contacted me to ask about the project. He wished me well on my fundraising efforts and assured me that he would follow the campaign and ensure I made my target to enable me to complete the project to commemorate Lt Edward Felix Baxter VC.
As so many of the large companies and organisations totally ignored my letters and emails for help, even those with close connections to the life and history of Felix Baxter ignored my mail, (in fact most didn't even bother to reply or acknowledge receipt, this includes the Mayors of the region he was born or where he lived/worked, I shall not mention these cities but if you look at his history its not too hard to work out!)
I thought I would struggle to achieve a fitting memorial and ceremony. However, due to this very generous benefactor, we can now complete the project.
I can say that he is an ex HMS Glamorgan rating from the early seventies and a working man that is obviously a very caring and generous individual. He is now the Home Manager of a care home in Scotland. I would also like to direct you all to the web page of Glennie House Care Home, (http://www.mmcgcarehomes.co.uk/our-care-homes/glennie-house/) 
please visit the page and see for yourselves what a delightful and happy place this is to live and work. Please share the page. 
I thank you all for your kind and generous assistance, especially Tommy, and hope to see some of you in France at some time.

Best regards
David.

10/03/2016

'When your children shall ask their fathers in time to come saying "What mean these stones?" Then ye shall answer.....' 

It's a quote that is quite fitting, for these stones are many and varied, across many countries. 
We must never forget, is the message. 

I can now update that the marble is engraved and ready to be placed in position. The mason will commence work on the brick plinth this month after the Maire of Blairville agreed with the style and size of ancient 'brique' to be used. 
Official invitations go out soon and the booklet shall be printed first week in April. Funding is continuing and creeping along slowly but I am hopeful of reaching the target and assisting 'Le Souvenir Français as much as possible with my project both before and after completion. 
Again, I offer sincere thanks to all who have donated so far. 
Please continue to spread the word and share the site with as many people as possible. 

many thanks,
David. 

26/02/2016

Hi to you all from a sunny but cold Riviere.
It has been a while but I have been working away trying my best to improve my French relations! 
I have had a couple of issues to deal with but all is in hand. The plaque was prepared by a local man and spelling nearly went to engraving with some mistakes, luckily I managed to get them changed and it is now with the engraver, fingers crossed!
 

I have had to alter some of the plans due to the costs involved but this will in no way effect the memorial or the ceremony. Your contributions are being used towards the marble, the engraving and the building of the brick plinth on which it shall be placed. So a big THANKYOU to you all for your continued support.
I still have had no interest from the many businesses/organisations in the UK that I have contacted, very sad really as Edward Baxter, and millions of other allied soldiers, gave their lives to allow those that remained to create their wealth in a free and democratic society. Surely a small contribution would not be too much to ask?( or even a reply in most cases!)
I have the Church, French Priest, choir and local schoolchildren(to sing anthems) all arranged. I have had to cut back to a CD player for the music and Regimental March and no UK Chaplain, but will aim to secure an English speaking minister to assist the Priest for those attending from the UK. (and a special mention to the Royal British Legion Merseyside and West Lancashire Branch that are participating in the ceremony)
On the morning of the ceremony at 10am there shall also be a short commemoration at the CWGC British cemetery in Fillievres, with placing of wreaths on the grave of Lt Baxter. All are welcome to attend if you are making the journey. More details to follow later this weekend after my next meeting with the Mayor.
Please continue to share the information with friends and colleagues every donation helps. 
Best regards and many thanks to all who have contributed so far.
David.