Heroes Honoured as Veterans' Walk Launches in South Tyneside

Military personnel past and present have been honoured in the official opening of a special new Veterans' Walk in South Tyneside.

The event in North Marine Park, South Shields, marked the unveiling of more than 40 personalised stones bearing the names, regiment and years of service of both serving and former members of the armed forces. More of the granite plaques will be added over time phases to extend the pathway.

The Mayor of South Tyneside, Councillor Fay Cunningham opened the first phase of the Veterans' Walk alongside Mayoress, Stella Matthewson. Civic dignitaries, representatives of South Tyneside Council and the National Veterans' Walk charity and members of the armed forces, their family and friends, were also in attendance.

The Mayor said: "It was a great honour to unveil the Veterans Walkway in South Tyneside with the first set of commemorative stones, and pay tribute to the brave servicemen and women who have served our nation in the air, on land or at sea, with unwavering courage and dedication.

"This new feature acts as a permanent reminder of their proud and valued service, stands as a symbol of gratitude and respect for the sacrifices they have made and provides a place for reflection and solace. In this momentous occasion, we honour our veterans and celebrate their legacy."

The walkway forms part of the unique UK National Veterans' Walk project - A Lasting Tribute to Proud Service -which started in 2016 with the first stones laid in Mowbray Park in Sunderland.         

South Tyneside Council has supported the creation of the walk in North Marine Park close to the 'Tommy' soldier silhouette 'There But Not There'overlooking Littlehaven harbour.

Councillor Paul Dean, Lead Member for Voluntary Sector, Partnerships and Equalities and Chairman of South Tyneside's Armed Forces Forum, said: "It's wonderful to work with the National Veterans' Walk charity on this project for our armed forces community.

"It's the beginning of something truly special - a living tribute to the spirit of our veterans and a place where their legacy will continue to inspire us. It is a reminder that their sacrifices are not forgotten and that their courage lives on in our hearts. Behind each stone is a story of heroism and resilience."

Among the North Marine Park stones is a dedication to Corporal Ken Barkas, from Hebburn. He sadly passed away mid-January this year.

Corporal Barkas serviced in the Royal Signals for 25 years, establishing communication networks and relaying messages. Daughter-in-law Claire Barkas recalls that he often spoke fondly of the rules around messages being taken by pencil, never pen, and the minimum requirement of three pencils on the desk at all times.

During his service Corporal Barkas was stationed in the Falklands, Northern Ireland, Germany as well as North East England. He met his wife Margaret via an army endorsed pen pal service while stationed abroad. They were married for nearly 40 years and had three children and four grandchildren.

Claire said: "Ken was really proud of his service. He had an exceptional record with amazing comments from his commanding officer noted in his discharge papers.

"His service really informed all aspects of his life, where he met his wife and then had his children. We told him about the stone on Christmas Day. He was really excited about it and touched to have his service commended in this way.

"While he is not with us today, the stone creates a lasting legacy. It is something we will reflect on fondly."

The Veterans' Walk project was set up by and supported by the family of Private Nathan Cuthbertson - one of four young men from Sunderland who were killed in Afghanistan in 2008. Privates Nathan Cuthbertson, Dan Gamble, David Murray and Michael Tench were victims of a suicide bomb attack in Helmand Province.

Rob Deverson, of the National Veterans Walk charity, said: "We are delighted to unveil this new project for residents of South Tyneside in creating their own personal tributes for themselves, family members and friends. The stones are for anyone who is serving, has served or even passed away.

"South Tyneside has a proud military and marine tradition, and we want the community to engage with this project and help us to extend the Lasting Tribute To Proud Service.This is only the start of what will be a wonderful dedication to our armed forces in South Tyneside."

The stones are laid in phases once enough orders are processed. They can be bought by service men and women themselves, or by their loved ones as a gift or tribute to others. The project generates funds for local Armed Forces charities.

They are available to order through the National Veterans' Walk website. The names of those dedicated are also added to the National Veterans' Walk Roll of Honour.