Whitehill and Bordon could be getting a special sculpture to commemorate the town’s military history.

At the Whitehill Town Council executive meeting on Thursday, July 24, mayor Cllr Catherine Clark revealed that discussions had begun with REME (the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers) about the possibility of installing a sculpture in Bordon.

The idea was raised during her recent visit to Tidworth in Wiltshire, where she was on official business.

Tidworth is now home to key elements of REME, following the unit’s relocation from Bordon in 2015.

During her visit, Cllr Clark spoke with a REME member who has strong family connections to Bordon, and the two discussed the potential for a commemorative sculpture marking the corps’ involvement in the town.

Cllr Clark said: “Places like Aldershot have a tank to remember the military’s history in the town and whilst we can’t get a tank to put on display, members of REME have spoken about creating a metal sculpture for free to display in the town to remember the history the armed forces had in Whitehill and Bordon.”

REME has a long-standing presence in the area. The first REME soldiers arrived in Bordon in 1945, and the School of Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (SEME) was established in 1961.

The garrison remained until its closure in September 2015, when SEME relocated to MOD Lyneham, and REME’s operational presence largely moved to Tidworth.

The army’s departure marked the start of major redevelopment, with former training land and barracks being repurposed for thousands of new homes.

Cllr Clark suggested that the unveiling of a sculpture could be a significant event, noting that similar military tributes have attracted the Lord Lieutenant and even members of the Royal Family.

The town council’s executive cabinet agreed to continue discussions with REME and confirmed that Cllr Clark will remain involved in the project.