Silent soldiers on guard at Spalding wartime pillbox which has become a community focus point
A wartime pillbox that has become a focal point for a community in Spalding is now sporting a trio of ‘silent soldiers’.
People living in and around Primrose Way have taken their Second World War structure to heart – gathering around it for a socially distanced commemoration for Armistice Day when the pandemic put paid to large events.
Residents also came together around the pillbox for Christmas carols last year too, as Covid and lockdowns forged closer community bonds.
Historic amphibious vehicle unearthed in Crowland
Museum appeal for information on prisoner of war camp
Neighbours Chris Gray and Anthony Fell have kept an eye on the structure for more than 20 years – with Mr Gray mowing the grass around it and arranging for anti-vandal paint to be applied to save it from damage.
Now they want to go one step further to cherish their historic structure – which was intended to be manned by the Home Guard in case of German invasion along the area’s navigable waterways.
Mr Fell said: “I have wanted to do something so came up with the idea of having these soldiers put on. We are just trying to enhance the feature we have got.
“We need to conserve it and preserve it if we can. It’s a lovely feature.”
Coun Angela Newton has sponsored the addition of the trio of Tommy silhouettes and said: “Anthony, and Chris epitomise true community spirit.”
The pillbox is one of three in the western part of Spalding – with other structures off Horseshoe Road and at the corner of Bourne Road and Monks House Lane.
Mr Fell is in talks with South Holland District Council to see if funding can be sourced to replace some of the damaged bricks – and hopes to add button holes to the soldiers.
The pillbox is set to be the focal point for this year’s Armistice Day and Remembrance Day celebrations, setting a new tradition for the community.
