Tintenbar Shire Great War Memorial Oval and Gates

About

This memorial is a sporting oval, located within the Alstonville Showgrounds. Marking the entrance to the oval are the memorial gates, which are made of concrete and stone. The gates include a decorative lintel, featuring a carved shield and ribbon banner. The shield is inscribed with the years 1914 and 1918—the start and end years of the First World War.  The gates are for pedestrians, rather than vehicles, with two openings created by the three pillars that support the lintel. Decorative metal gates are attached to each opening. The pillars once held marble honour rolls for the First World War, and then later for the Second World War. The rolls have since been relocated to the Alstonville War Memorial.   The initial effort to create the memorial came from the Alstonville Patriotic League, who raised £396 following the conclusion of the war. From July 1925, the Agricultural Society began further developing the project and raised an additional £1,700. The dedication took place on 21 February 1926, in front of a large crowd from Tintenbar and surrounding districts. Mrs D.A. Robins, wife of the Tintenbar Shire President, performed the unveiling and Dr C. Bluett, RSL sub-Branch President, performed the dedication. The event was reported in detail in the Northern Star on 22 February, with a photo of the gates appearing the following day.  The showground is now used as a caravan park and does not hold commemorative services.

Photos