By Alana Mitchelson
MAYOR Brett Owen has helped recover a missing Beaconsfield Park sign that was historically recognised as a World War I monument.
“During the council election campaign, I was out letterboxing and saw a very unique sign in the front yard of a property,“ Cr Owen said.
“I worked with Pakenham police to recover the stolen sign and it is now at the council depot.
“The resident was very apologetic and no charges were laid.“
The Beaconsfield Park “memorial gates“ were originally erected in 1939.
The brick and iron sign was dedicated in memory of soldiers who fought in World War I.
It had been a gift from the Craven sisters who were well-known in the community for owning the Beaconsfield Post Office at the time.
It is believed the sign was stolen in 2012 just one year following its restoration, after which the council erected a replica in its place.
Beaconsfield Progress Association’s Ann Taylor said she would like to see the sign return to its home at Beaconsfield Park.
“Perhaps rather than replacing its replica, we could use both signs as bookends to the park,“ she said.
“It was disappointing when the sign was stolen, but we’re excited to have it back for the enjoyment of the community.”
