Appeal target and website launched for Bermondsey VC

The target for the appeal to raise funds to commemorate one of Bermondsey's bravest sons has been announced today.

The campaign to raise funds for the erection of a statue to Albert McKenzie, the Bermondsey boy who was the first London sailor to win the VC, announced it's appeal target of £100,000 today. The launch date was chosen because 10th August is the anniversary of the beginning of World War One, on 10th August 1914.

Albert McKenzie was one of the First World War service personnel who took part in the famous Zebrugge raid when allied troops attacked the German fleet in their Belgian harbour to block their exit at a crucial part of the first world war. The raid took place on St George's day 1918 and over 200 allied soldiers were killed.

Albert McKenzie was awarded the VC by the choice of his comrades (the first of this kind) and received his VC from the King in July 1918. Tragically he died during the influenza epidemic due to a weakened immune system following his injuries two weeks before the end of the war.

Albert McKenzie was born and brought up in Decima Street in Bermondsey, attended Decima Street School and then was a club member of the Oxford and Bermondsey Club, based in Webb Street. It is the Oxford and Bermondsey Club which has taken the initiative to lead the campaign for the statue with the support of Simon Hughes, Bermondsey's local MP.

The target figure of £100,000 has been announced on the same day as the campaign website has been launched. The website is the work of Dominic Woolgar and the address is www.albertmckenzievc.com.

Initial fundraising has already taken place. Kevin Boys, a sculptor based in Bermondsey has been commissioned to create the statue. Architects have been employed and the pre-application has been made to the local authority, the London Borough of Southwark. It is intended that the statue will be erected at the junction of Tower Bridge Road, Grange Road and Bermondsey Street, just yards away from Albert's home and the club which is so proud of their valiant military hero.

Paul Keefe, chair of the appeal committee said: "Today is a big step forward for our appeal and for our plans to turn this fantastic idea into reality. With the site identified and the appeal target now set we can seriously get on with the business of finalising the design, putting in the planning application and raising the money. Anybody wanting to donate can do so via the website or by sending a cheque to the Stansfeld Club, Webb Street SE1 4RP (cheques to be made payable to the Albert McKenzie Memorial Fund). Later this month collecting tins will be placed in all the Bermondsey pubs. At the beginning of September an approach will be made to all local businesses. And early in the new school year all local primary and secondary schools will be asked if they can help in fundraising. The appeal committee want enough money in the bank to submit the planning application by Armistice Day this year (11th November), with the aim of unveiling the statue during 2011. We are really keen this should be a community project and are therefore limiting individual donations to £100 and company donations to £1000. The sooner the money is raised the sooner there can be this important new memorial to one of Bermondsey's greatest heroes visible for all to see in a prime site in our borough."

Simon Hughes, MP for Bermondsey and Old Southwark, who is the publicity officer of the appeal committee, said: "The Oxford and Bermondsey Club have launched this great idea for public recognition of one of the bravest citizens of Bermondsey, which deserves huge community support. From today we have the design of the statue, we know how much money we need and we have a great and usable website to spread the word far and wide. I hope there will be big public response from individuals and companies and organisations which have any connection with Bermondsey or the services or the people involved. Albert McKenzie has been far too little known for too long. We are determined not just for a few people to be proud of this part of our history but for as many people as possible to celebrate his bravery and his life."

Note

The first fundraising social event of the campaign will be held at the Oxford and Bermondsey Club on 25th September 2010, from 7.30pm, with tickets priced at £10.