The Gurkhas

A replacement Plaque

What do you think?

click to enlarge

The Gurkha Plaque is located on the north breakwater

Whilst Portgordon Community Harbour Group was formed to regenerate the harbour it also seeks to make improvements to the area. These are some examples:

• Notice Board
• Signpost
• Picnic Benches
• Replica Barometer
• Flower Containers
• Harbour Plaque

As well as being practical, useful or simply cosmetic these features show visitors that the harbour area is not neglected and we hope they add value to the village...

...and now we consider

The Gurkha Plaque

click to enlarge

The Gurkhas arrived in the village in 1985 and began the job of repairing the harbour.This was the first of three visits in the eighties. On completion of the works the Gurkha's left a commemorative Plaque on the north breakwater to mark their works

The Plaque is no longer accessible to the public due to the poor state of repair of the link bridge

Portgordon Community Harbour Group has deliberated about this and feels that there should be more obvious recognition of the Gurkha's work, particularly for the benefit of the passing public, many of whom are walking the Speyside Way which takes them alongside the harbour

Here is a proposal put to the (PCHG) committee at their last meeting (26th September 2011)

Gurkha Plaque

Introduction/Preamble

The existing Plaque commemorating the Gurkha's part in Portgordon harbours history is looking worse for wear due to the combined effects of ¹corrosion and weathering. In addition it’s placement on the north breakwater is some distance from the walking route past the harbour and as a consequence is not seen by the passing public. This means it is likely that many people may be oblivious of the part the soldiers played in saving the harbour and paving the way toward regeneration for the community. We (PCHG) really should do something about this.

Proposal

A replica plaque be purchased and placed in a more prominent position, for example the north face of the wall at the head of the slipway (next to the notice board)

Funding options

Harbour Group Funds

Full cost of purchase and placement met by Portgordon Community Harbour Group Ltd

Sponsorship

Find a suitable sponsor to meet the full cost of purchase and placement

Donations

Request donations from members of the public to cover the full cost of purchase and placement (see note 2)

Conclusion

Whilst the above may appear to be fairly straightforward there are possible challenges to this, assuming the committee agrees it should be done in the first place

Planning permission/consent – is it needed from the crown or local authority?

How do we get a plaque cast?

Would it offend the generation that were involved in the original placement?

Note (1) The existing plaque to remain where it is and given suitable treatment to prevent further corrosion, if possible

Note (2) Donations of a fixed sum (£5 cheque only) be requested from members of the public to meet the full costs of purchase and placement. A dedicated page would be created on the PCHG website featuring a ‘virtual stone wall’ with an impression of the plaque fixed on the wall. The idea being that anyone donating £5 would have their name added to a block on the virtual wall and this would be there for the life of the website

End

The meeting supported the proposals and a committee member is looking to progress matters with regards to costs and funding - There is no completion date for this, though it is anticipated it will be before year end. However, a more detailed submission will be placed before the committee when costs, funding and the required works are determined

What do you think?
If you have any views on this please submit your thoughts either in the comments box or the email link/postal address on the main website

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