Howdy colleagues. Before I can twist the arm of Lord Vada to pin me a nice web banner at the top of every page, I wanted to throw out the news of the Specials Recognition Stone project. The proposal is for a granite stone to be placed at the National Arboretum and dedicated to Special Constables in recognition of exactly what we do.
If any of you have been to the Arboretum you will know there is a massive living monument called The Beat. But there is nothing specific for the Special Constabulary. And it’s not about separating the Specials from the regulars - we are Police Officers as equal. But it is more about a little something that says - we recognise what we do, for no payment, because it’s who we are. It’s what makes us special..... Bucket moment.
So, the idea was born in the Midlands and the proposal is now to have a Midlands recognition stone, which will be funded entirely by donations. Anyone can donate, Specials, ex Specials, businesses or even just those that think we make a difference and understand what we give up to do just that. I appreciate this is a Midlands thing, but there is no reason that all Specials can't donate if they feel so passionately or indeed come and join us annually should we actually raise enough to do this.
Raising anything for the cause of the Specials is bloody hard work. I hope you all feel as passionately about this as I do.
Thanks for listening - now donate, go on, do it.....
Visit the website: www.specialsstone.co.uk
Specials Recognition Stone
Started by
Jarvis1979
, Oct 16 2010 09:08 PM
21 replies to this topic
#2
Posted 16 October 2010 - 10:01 PM
Out of interest do you have any pictures or sketches of how this stone may look? I'm assuming for £6.5k it's a little more than a rock with a plaque?
#3
Posted 16 October 2010 - 10:45 PM
Im happy to do all this work and not get any recognition, I didn't sign up to be praised. Fair enough that i appreciate it when i get it, but i never expect it, Its become part of me, and its a privilege.
Officers who've lost their lives or been injured on duty, I would feel would be more worth while, I'd prefer money if i become injured or to go to any other injured officer to a stone any day.
Although atleast in 600years, they can see that there was a memorial to volunteers i guess.
Officers who've lost their lives or been injured on duty, I would feel would be more worth while, I'd prefer money if i become injured or to go to any other injured officer to a stone any day.
Although atleast in 600years, they can see that there was a memorial to volunteers i guess.
#4
Posted 17 October 2010 - 04:43 AM
I think it's a very kind gesture. I have to be honest, I personally would donate my money elsewhere - when I do donate it's usually Help for Heroes or occasionally one of the cancer charities. The fact that you've already raised over £1k though is amazing so well done and good luck in raising the rest. 
#5
Posted 17 October 2010 - 08:30 AM
Out of interest do you have any pictures or sketches of how this stone may look? I'm assuming for £6.5k it's a little more than a rock with a plaque?
I'd be, and I'm sure others would be interested to see an artists impression of this proposed stone.
#6
Posted 17 October 2010 - 08:42 AM
Well there you go, you really do learn something everyday.
I never knew this place even existed. Thanks for the heads-up Jarvis.
I never knew this place even existed. Thanks for the heads-up Jarvis.
#7
Posted 17 October 2010 - 08:48 AM
Hi Jarvis,
Interesting project, can you explain how you came up with 177 years as the time SCs have existed please?
Edit: 2nd question, sorry I have to ask because it is bothering me - Can you explain how it costs £6,500 to produce this stone without anybody making a profit from it? (By profit I mean the artist getting paid to do it for example)
Interesting project, can you explain how you came up with 177 years as the time SCs have existed please?
Edit: 2nd question, sorry I have to ask because it is bothering me - Can you explain how it costs £6,500 to produce this stone without anybody making a profit from it? (By profit I mean the artist getting paid to do it for example)
Edited by Rocket, 17 October 2010 - 09:46 AM.
#8
Posted 17 October 2010 - 09:44 AM
Hi Jarvis,
Interesting project, can you explain how you came up with 177 years as the time SCs have existed please?
I think it stems from an Act in the 1830s. A couple of years ago there were pencils and keyrings in abundance celebrating 175 years of the Special Constabulary.
#9
Posted 17 October 2010 - 09:47 AM
Perhaps there should be a recognition stone for the bowstreet runners? I mean, they don't exist anymore and they provided the basic idea of policing anyway?
#10
Posted 17 October 2010 - 09:50 AM
I think it stems from an Act in the 1830s. A couple of years ago there were pencils and keyrings in abundance celebrating 175 years of the Special Constabulary.
Oh, why didn't they use the earliest Act back in 1673?
#11
Jarvis1979
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Posted 17 October 2010 - 10:01 AM
Morning all, thanks for the replies.
Can I just stress the difference between recognition and praise? I didn't join the Specials to be praised either. And if it was about payment I'd be putting the £6.5k in my pocket not trying to raise a permanent tribute. I don't believe we all need a pat on the back after every duty but the stone is about a long lasting dedication that signifies every Special - past, present and those who will be in the future. For their families, friends, colleagues to gather, enjoy and be pround of.
I do have pictures of what is being proposed yes, I'll try and pop something up for you to see. It's modest and simple (because we can't afford anything else). For those who haven't been to the Arboretum it is an excellent day. Some of the monuments up there are truly amazing - not to mention that armed forces monument which is breath taking. I don't think those officers wanted praise either - but they do deserve it.
With regards to the 177 years of the Special constabulary, I've double checked and its actually JUST last week turned 179 years, so apologies for that (time flies). Interesting fact alert - The Special Constables Act was passed on 15 October 1831. Back in 2006 there were a lot of celebrations for the 175th so perhaps next year we will have another knees up. Perhaps a good time to erect a recognition stone
I do understand that people would rather put their money elsewhere i.e. help for heros or any other charity for that matter. I would too. But I'm not asking for continued donations. Just a small one off for the cause. I will continue to support help for heros financially long into the future but I only need to make a sinlge contribution to the lifetime of this stone that means a lot to me.
Thanks for the comments guys - now put you hands into your miserable knitted police trousers and make a contribution you tight gits.
Hi rocket - Its whats been quoted by the stone mason to purchase and form the granite, to deliver it and erect it at the arboretum. There is absolutely no personal gain to any person or force who are involved in this I can assure you. Fortuantley us do-gooders are only interested in making this work for everyone.
Can I just stress the difference between recognition and praise? I didn't join the Specials to be praised either. And if it was about payment I'd be putting the £6.5k in my pocket not trying to raise a permanent tribute. I don't believe we all need a pat on the back after every duty but the stone is about a long lasting dedication that signifies every Special - past, present and those who will be in the future. For their families, friends, colleagues to gather, enjoy and be pround of.
I do have pictures of what is being proposed yes, I'll try and pop something up for you to see. It's modest and simple (because we can't afford anything else). For those who haven't been to the Arboretum it is an excellent day. Some of the monuments up there are truly amazing - not to mention that armed forces monument which is breath taking. I don't think those officers wanted praise either - but they do deserve it.
With regards to the 177 years of the Special constabulary, I've double checked and its actually JUST last week turned 179 years, so apologies for that (time flies). Interesting fact alert - The Special Constables Act was passed on 15 October 1831. Back in 2006 there were a lot of celebrations for the 175th so perhaps next year we will have another knees up. Perhaps a good time to erect a recognition stone
I do understand that people would rather put their money elsewhere i.e. help for heros or any other charity for that matter. I would too. But I'm not asking for continued donations. Just a small one off for the cause. I will continue to support help for heros financially long into the future but I only need to make a sinlge contribution to the lifetime of this stone that means a lot to me.
Thanks for the comments guys - now put you hands into your miserable knitted police trousers and make a contribution you tight gits.
Hi Jarvis,
Interesting project, can you explain how you came up with 177 years as the time SCs have existed please?
Edit: 2nd question, sorry I have to ask because it is bothering me - Can you explain how it costs £6,500 to produce this stone without anybody making a profit from it? (By profit I mean the artist getting paid to do it for example)
Hi rocket - Its whats been quoted by the stone mason to purchase and form the granite, to deliver it and erect it at the arboretum. There is absolutely no personal gain to any person or force who are involved in this I can assure you. Fortuantley us do-gooders are only interested in making this work for everyone.
Edited by Jarvis1979, 17 October 2010 - 10:02 AM.
#12
Posted 17 October 2010 - 10:03 AM
I do understand that people would rather put their money elsewhere i.e. help for heros or any other charity for that matter.
And this exactly is what's happening. The smaller just as deserving charities out there, military or civvy wise are really feeling the pinch. I for one are involved in a current fundraiser where the proceeds are going to a lesser known military charity.
I'll also donate to this Stone cause.
#13
Badger1983RFU
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Posted 17 October 2010 - 08:23 PM
I have for a long time given to Help For Heroes as my colleagues know very well. I will continue to give to them for as long as there is a need. This though is not a stone for a charity, its a place where specials past present and future can go with family, friends and colleagues. To be able to say "I am proud to be one of the few, one of the few to put on the uniform and do something positive, make a difference to my community, make my beat a safer place for the public." The people who set up this web page are some of the hardest working specials i have the great pleasure of knowing and working with. Please give as much or as little as you can. It is worth it and will be there for generations to come.
#14
Jarvis1979
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Posted 23 March 2011 - 03:23 PM
Hi All
Thought some of you might want an update. We have found a stone mason who is a Special Constable within Warwickshire Police. He is going to donate his time to the cause which drastically reduces the amount of money we need to raise although I am yet to update all the literature with this new figure of £4,500. The stone will be made from limestone, it will be 1100mm tall and 600mm in width. It will feature a plaque resting on the top that says:
"In recognition of the dedication to duty by members of the Special Constabulary, protecting their communities from harm"
We do have initial drawings of the stone and I will get some copies on here for you to look at.
The website is in place and taking donations (although sometimes I think it is broken due to how few we have had).
We have had approximately £120.00 in cash donations from serving specials so far so please donate if you have not already.
www.specialsstone.co.uk
Thought some of you might want an update. We have found a stone mason who is a Special Constable within Warwickshire Police. He is going to donate his time to the cause which drastically reduces the amount of money we need to raise although I am yet to update all the literature with this new figure of £4,500. The stone will be made from limestone, it will be 1100mm tall and 600mm in width. It will feature a plaque resting on the top that says:
"In recognition of the dedication to duty by members of the Special Constabulary, protecting their communities from harm"
We do have initial drawings of the stone and I will get some copies on here for you to look at.
The website is in place and taking donations (although sometimes I think it is broken due to how few we have had).
We have had approximately £120.00 in cash donations from serving specials so far so please donate if you have not already.
www.specialsstone.co.uk
#15
Posted 25 March 2011 - 12:26 PM
Is there still no artist's impression of the design the public can view yet?
#16
bluebear999
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Posted 26 March 2011 - 11:43 PM
This is a fantastic idea. I suggest those that have reservations visit the National Memorial Arboretum in person or even their website to see why Remembrance and Recognition is so important. If each SC in the UK gave £1 I assume it would be covered??
#17
Badger1983RFU
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Posted 09 April 2011 - 08:43 PM
I have now seen the stone design and i can assure you it is a superb item and worthy of the small sum being asked. I shall try to get the SC's responsible to get the image on here soon for everyone to see. Bluebear999 you are right if every SC gave just £1.00 we would be able to raise the sum very quickly.
#19
rgbargie
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Posted 08 July 2011 - 10:15 PM
Has the NMA authorised a site for this project?
That's a good question - presumably it's quite a long drawn out process? Out of interest, do the NMA charge for the 'land' that will be used by the memorial?
I notice that the NMA already has a memorial for Specials in Northern Ireland...
http://www.flickr.co...in/photostream/
Looks like it cost more than £4.5k... and it seems to be more specifically dedicated to those who lost their lives in the period 1920-1970.
#20
Posted 14 July 2011 - 09:10 PM
That's a good question - presumably it's quite a long drawn out process? Out of interest, do the NMA charge for the 'land' that will be used by the memorial?
The NMA needs to have a spot for any memorial to be placed. Thereafter they will review your designs to check they fit the theme of the NMA then the trustees will review it and decide if permission is granted.
#21
bluebear999
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#22
Posted 30 August 2011 - 06:23 AM
A good cause and I'll donate.
Just a couple of points though ......
The 177 year anniversary does not relate to us so are we clear what 'nation' we are talking about? The Scottish National Memorial is at the Police College in Kincardine and there is already a memorial to all UK Specials at Coventry Cathedral.
I realise this comes across as a bit fussy but when it comes to commemorating service you need to be sure that you are being inclusive and not inadvertently missing out chunks of the constituency.
Just a couple of points though ......
The 177 year anniversary does not relate to us so are we clear what 'nation' we are talking about? The Scottish National Memorial is at the Police College in Kincardine and there is already a memorial to all UK Specials at Coventry Cathedral.
I realise this comes across as a bit fussy but when it comes to commemorating service you need to be sure that you are being inclusive and not inadvertently missing out chunks of the constituency.
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