• AS one enters the grounds of St Michael’s Church in Camden Road one comes across a memorial to local people of – now Camden – who perished in the First World War.

Upon the memorial are two names close to me: Benjamin Bewley, my great-grandfather, who died on the Somme on September 3 1916; and Frederick Bewley, killed July 1 1916, who was my great uncle.

Benjamin Bewley, 16th Btn Rifle Brigade; Frederick Bewley, 11th Btn Royal Fusiliers. Both are remembered with honour at Thiepval Memorial in Picardie.

I was disappointed that the memorial is in poor condition. The then curator said that an application for refurbishment had been made to the Commonwealth War Graves Commission. Nothing appears to have happened.

Perhaps a Camden official may like to visit the memorial and can help to get it refurbished. I’d hate for their names and memory to erode and disappear like the rock their names are engraved on.

LES SHAW
Edmonton