Ashford Central School's Wall of Remembrance will undergo a major, three-stage transformation throughout the coming eight months.
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A once plain besser-brick wall, the structure was gifted a "cap" many years ago by the family of current teacher Michael Simpson featuring the Anzac badge and the words 'Lest We Forget'.
Principal Ben Delanty said the school liaised with decorated war artist Amber Martin, who has begun works, to create a unique piece for the wall.
"It was of particular significance to a lot of people in our community that we continue the work that started a long time ago with the donated cap. We took it upon ourselves this year to engage the services of Amber Martin.
"We wanted to not only celebrate our Wall of Remembrance and identify the incredible sacrifice of people from our community, but also show an evolution of the time between the Light Horse and so forth of early war days through to our veterans," he said.
A complex part of the project has been identifying the significant paramount figures of the Ashford community to use as inspiration, however the school's administration manager Alison Mackay has been very proactive with history.
The school hope to access funding to re-coop costs associated from the large priority project in the near future. Amber has been given creative space to be able to craft a stunning commemorative piece.
Mr Delanty said with Anzac Day marches in NSW cancelled due to Coronavirus, the school will also be unable to host their Anzac Day ceremony this year.
"We further believe that this project is vitally important in a time where we have some complex social economic changes in our school and town. We're looking at how we can foster respect and dignity back into our community and we think this is a strong way to do it," he said.
The large-scale project will hopefully be completed for Remembrance Day so the school can host a service inviting "anyone and everyone" to attend.
Local families input has also been a huge part of the project to help facilitate and guide the proposed content for the wall.
In the future, service personnel plaques will be organised for the wall.
"We're hoping to create an area where our town can come together and remember those who've given the ultimate sacrifice and continue to do so today. We're trying to incorporate our students also, where possible."
