Yapton community rallies around to replace stolen First World War tribute
Three Silent Soldier silhouettes had been placed around Yapton, including one outside the Co-operative in Main Road, to commemorate the centenary of armistice day.
The Co-op’s silhouette was stolen at the end of August, sparking a strong reaction among residents and on social media.
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Hide AdOne Yapton Villager, Greg Doyle, set up a fundraiser to replace the stolen soldier. Each soldier is given in return for a £250 donation to the Royal British Legion.
The community’s generosity has seen more than £500 raised – more than double the target.
Even better, the Co-op in Main Road has also offered the £250 required to replace the Silent Soldier, meaning more than £750 has now been donated to the Royal British Legion.
Yapton local Jim Payne was behind the tributes initially and is heavily involved in armistice commemorations across the village.
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Hide Ad“It’s great that people have really responded to the theft,” he said.
“There was a strong reaction on social media and people have really come together.”
Mr Payne said the figure has been screwed to the wall of the Co-op this time to prevent a repeat of August’s theft.
In addition to the tribute outside the Co-op, which has now sponsored three of them, the five feet high monuments were placed in Maypole Lane and Barnham Road.
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Hide AdThe Silent Soldiers are part of a number of initiatives across the Littlehampton area to mark 100 years since the end of the war. Read more about them here: First World War commemorations to be made across Littlehampton to mark the armistice centenaryRead more about the theft of the Silent Soldier, in August, here: Silent Soldier First World War tribute stolen from Yapton Co-OpMore news: