Press Releases

 

Bournemouth Legal Community Has Not Forgotten

Almost a century on, Bournemouth lawyers are making sure their professional predecessors who died in the First World War are not forgotten.

A memorial plaque to the eleven solicitors and clerks who gave their lives in defence of their country in the 14-18 War ended up being lost in plain sight. 

The memorial, unveiled in 1925 at the Law Courts in Stafford Road, was prominent in the centre of legal activities at the time. But no judge has sat there since the 1990s, so the Bournemouth and District Law Society has helped bring the memorial back into public prominence.

President of the BDLS Joanne Clarke has said “Bournemouth and District Law Society (BDLS) is proud to play a part in keeping the memory alive of members of the Bournemouth legal profession who lost their lives in First World War”.

In honour of these young men, former solicitors and clerks, a tablet was unveiled on 28 July 1925 at what was then the Bournemouth Law Courts in Stafford Road, where it has remained for nearly 100 years.

Times, however, change, and the needs of communities shift. The courts are no longer in active use and now the premises has been repurposed as the site of the David Livingstone Academy. The court building itself is listed and remains largely as it was, with the academy having grown up around it. Unfortunately, however, this has meant that the memorial is out of public view, being within the school grounds. 

BDLS considered this a shame and wanted to bring the memorial back into the public eye, so have arranged for the original to be moved to the courts at Deansleigh Road. The original memorial tablet is to be unveiled at its new location at Bournemouth Combined Courts on 11 November 2024, where it is hoped it will remain for another century.

To keep the sentiment of the original alive, BDLS are proud to have commissioned a replica to be built, which is to be installed in its place at the Academy.

Current honorary treasurer of the BDLS, Conor Maher, currently serves as a Captain in the Army Cadet Force and is proud to have played a role in this work, saying “it’s essential that these individuals who made the ultimate sacrifice are remembered and commemorated appropriately, and I’m delighted to have played a small role in bringing their memorial back from obscurity and into the public conscience”.

The tablet contains 11 names, all of members of the Bournemouth legal profession, who served in the First World War. Eleven young men who lost their lives.

 

Before serving this country, these men were solicitors or clerks working in the area. They came for the most part from Dorset and Hampshire (within which Bournemouth was situated at the time), but some from further afield in England, others as far away as New York city. Some now lie in rest in Bournemouth, others in France or Belgium, while one even found his final resting place in Baghdad. 

Byron Sims
BDLS Press Officer

7.11.2024

 

Shared commitment to support the legal community

When it comes to supporting the legal profession in hard times, we’re very proud to count on Bournemouth & District Law Society for its steadfast commitment.

As one of our long-term advocates, Bournemouth & District Law Society is a pillar of support within the legal community, not only advocating for the interests of its members but also extending its generosity to giving to our charity and make a difference to solicitors in times of need.

For several years, the Bournemouth Law Society has donated to The Solicitors' Charity, recognising the essential role we play in the legal profession. This enduring partnership reflects our shared commitment to uphold the values of mutual aid and community support among solicitors.

“It is something we have done for many years now, and we are proud to support this essential and much-needed cause,” says Mandy Heath, Office Manager at Bournemouth & District Law Society. “We believe it's important to be consistent in our charitable efforts, ensuring that resources are available to solicitors when they need them the most.”

Bournemouth & District Law Society appreciates the significance of our mission to provide vital financial assistance to solicitors, acting as a safety net during periods of personal or professional setback, as it aligns with their own goal of supporting their members in every possible way.

“We feel it is important to do something to help The Solicitors’ Charity as it provides a lifeline to those needing support with emotional, physical, professional, and financial wellbeing,” explains Mandy.

It’s heartening that Bournemouth & District Law Society supports us as an extension of their mission to aid solicitors throughout their careers, helping to foster a culture of empathy and solidarity among legal professionals.

Bournemouth & District Law Society encourages other law societies across England and Wales to consider similar donations (voluntary and RCBs) or support of other kinds, like highlighting The Solicitors’ Charity in the local magazine or website with a topical piece.

 “It is imperative that local law societies assist The Solicitors' Charity in spreading the word about their work and support them in whatever way they can,” Mandy adds.

Our collaboration with Bournemouth & District Law Society demonstrates how law societies can help us build a robust network of support, ensuring solicitors have access to the resources they need in times of hardship, to improve their wellbeing.

Together, we can make a significant difference in improving the lives of solicitors – find out more about supporting us at https://thesolicitorscharity.org/support-our-work/make-a-donation/

14.08.24