Lasting memorial

THE exploits of Newark’s most decorated second world war hero, Lt-col Sam Derry, are remarkable. What is equally remarkable is the fact that there is very little to commemorate his incredible bravery.

Colonel Derry worked with a priest, Monsignor Hugh O’Flaherty, to set up the Rome Escape Line.

Operating out of the Vatican, under the noses of the Gestapo, they helped thousands of Allied Servicemen evade capture.

A memorial garden and soon-to-be unveiled statue in his native Ireland provide significant permanent memorials to Monsignor O’Flaherty.

While there is a plaque dedicated to Colonel Derry in Newark Parish Church this year, 70 years after he entered Rome, seems like the appropriate time to provide something more.

The idea of a lasting memorial is supported by the Derry family, but they want the people of the Newark area to decide if it is appropriate and, if so, what form it should take.

The Advertiser believes a memorial is long overdue to a man whose extraordinary story deserves to remain in the public eye for generations to come. The opportunity is now there to achieve just that.

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Good luck to Toby Nadal who, despite having a brain tumour that will require treatment throughout his lifetime, wants to do his bit to help other young people battling serious illness.

He aims to cycle from John O’Groats to Land’s End in support of the Teenage Cancer Trust.

Toby wants to maximise the amount he raises by inviting companies, groups and organisations to sponsor him £200 for each of the 14 legs of his journey. Times are tough but he certainly deserves to succeed.