When Leslie Head, a member of the British Legion, approached us asking if we could help to restore a memorial site in Godstone, Surrey, we were delighted to be of assistance.
Flight Sergeant Stanley Allen Fenemore RAFVR was a Battle of Britain fighter pilot, one of ‘The Few’, flying from Kenley aerodrome. While on patrol early on the morning of Tuesday 15th October 1940, his Hawker Hurricane V6722 of 501 Squadron was shot down in combat with Messerschmitt 109 fighters of the German Luftwaffe. The Hurricane crashed in Paygate Wood, South Godstone. Sadly, the 20-year-old Stanley Fenemore was killed.
On New Year’s Day 1944 a then 12ft Silver Cedar tree was planted in memory of the fallen pilot next to a bronze plaque and garden bench also bearing a plaque. In recent years the memorial site had become badly overgrown and overtaken by brambles and become unsafe for visitors due to hazardous trees surrounding the site.
It was a considerable task to make the site safe and renovate it again to become a pleasant place to stop and reflect, but Connick Tree Care was very happy to undertake the works entirely free of charge. The work involved clearing the bramble growth, removing deadwood and making safe overhanging and fractured branches.
Mr Head said, “Thanks to the generosity of Connick Tree Care, the recent restoration work was carried out free of charge. Godstone Parish Council has kindly agreed to undertake the future maintenance of the site.”
The memorial site is now clean and tidy. The beautiful views across the countryside can be appreciated by any visitors who wish to spend a few quiet moments sitting on the bench.
