Kingfisher Windows has demonstrated its pride in Britain’s armed forces by donating a huge commemorative stained glass window to a regiment which has suffered heavy losses in Afghanistan. Worth nearly £1,000 but made for free, the window features the regiment’s bugle and crown insignia together with the words ‘In Memory Of Our Fallen’.
The glass tribute will take pride of place in the newly refurbished mess of Alanbrooke Barracks in Germany, home to 5th Battalion The Rifles. The idea was first raised by the battalion’s Corporal Simon Cook, from Pudsey, who decided to approach Kingfisher as his late cousin Paul had worked for the firm. Although the solider had originally planned to pay for the piece himself, to his delight, Chairman Paul Beetham insisted on making the window for free.
“We have an enormous amount of respect for all the brave soldiers who fight for our country,” comments Paul, “so when Corporal Cook came to us with his idea we were more than happy to show our support and donate the stained glass window for free – particularly when local lads have either been lost or continue to risk their lives in the conflict.”
During an interview by the Yorkshire Evening Post, Cpl Cook added: “I’m incredibly grateful to Kingfisher for their help – words can’t express how I feel really. We’ll look at the window every single day and remember those that are no longer with us.”
Kingfisher engaged the help of Bradford-based stained glass expert Franck Berthebaud to craft the window, which made its journey over to the troops in Germany in July.
