WE are a team of six residents who have dedicated our time freely in the strong belief that our village should have an appropriate memorial to honour the 44 young men who gave their lives in World War One and World War Two and to ensure their loved ones and country could have a future to be proud of, writes Jennifer Lewis-Mason.

To this end, we each of us contacted both local and national companies, societies, relevant regiments and personal donors.

We have been astounded and humbled at the generous response that we have received.

Indeed, the memorial now stands proud in the Miners Recreation Field in a prime position whereby the names of all the fallen will face the Mendip Hills and the setting sun.

We still have specialist slabs to lay, railings, gates, benches, and a garden to create.

But, most important of all, the plaques bearing the names of all those who went to war and never came home.

We would like to give a personal vote of thanks to the many companies involved in the construction:

Albion Stone, from where the Portland Heritage Stone was excavated from deep within the ground where it had lain for millions of years and bears the markings in testimony to this.

It was cut to our specification and made ready for collection with an incredibly generous offer made to us that we could take possession at cost price, saving us thousands of pounds.

Aqua Management Ltd carried out the detailed and extensive ground work, incredibly, free of charge.

Their accredited management systems ensure that all contracts are completed to the highest standards in terms of safety, quality, and budget.

J.F. Pearce Haulage came forward with an amazing offer to collect the stone and store at their yard until we were ready to construct and then deliver to site.

This was an incredibly specialist operation and carried out impeccably.

The whole operation was so generously donated by J.F Pearce & Sons Ltd free of charge and they were pleased to have had the opportunity to assist with the new PSJ War Memorial.

Sandridge Stone stonemasons whose expertise was offered to erect our memorial using their craftsmanship to ensure that it was perfectly aligned and now stands as a testimony to the art that is stone masonry.

The team have developed various expertise in all aspects of working with natural stone, having been involved in many prestigious projects in the civic and ecclesiastical sector.

We will be continuing with many and varied events throughout the coming months which will be well advertised, including pub quizzes, village fairs, car boot sales, and attending the Armed Forces Day.

We would welcome all who wish to attend any of these events and, hopefully, enjoy themselves.

We anticipate the opening will be in September this year when the memorial will be gifted to the people of Peasedown St John to be maintained for all future generations by the Peasedown Parish Council.