A striking seven-metre-tall mural, depicting World War Two veteran Donald Rose, now adorns the side of Ilkeston Town Hall. The artwork, created by street artist Neil Keating and his colleague John Culshaw, honours all those who fought for freedom. Donald Rose, who passed away last year at the age of 110, was Britain's oldest World War Two veteran and the oldest man in Britain. He survived combat during the Allied invasion of Normandy and helped liberate the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp.
The mural is part of an initiative by Erewash Borough Council to enhance the public realm. Deputy Leader Becca Everett, who described Donald as “an absolute hero for Ilkeston”, was interviewed live on ITV News Central about the permanent tribute.
Remembrance Sunday ceremonies will take place in both Ilkeston and Long Eaton. In Ilkeston, tributes and wreath-laying at the Cenotaph will begin at 10:40am, following a 9:50am service at St Mary's Church and a parade starting from South Street car park. The Mayor of Erewash, Cllr Greg Maskalick, will attend a 9:30am mass at St Laurence Church in Long Eaton, with wreath-laying at the town's War Memorial commencing at 10:40am after a parade from West Gate.
Further acts of respect will occur on Wednesday, 11 November, at 11am, marking Armistice Day. A Royal British Legion ceremony will be held at Ilkeston’s Market Place Cenotaph starting at 10:45am, when the nation will observe a moment of silence.
