LAID gently upon the land as though by some Herculean shepherd who may return for it at any moment, an oversized crook could form a very unique war memorial.

The memorial seeks to pay tribute to the sacrifices paid by the rural community during conflict, both those who served and those who tilled the land.

A planning application has been submitted for a ‘war memorial sun mark’ to be constructed outside St Andrew’s Church, in Bolam.

A large crook will lean upon a pair of shepherd’s hut wheels, standing on a pedestal inscribed with the names of the fallen. The truly unique aspect of the memorial comes via an aperture bored into the centre of the crook.

Both the crook and the wheels have been positioned very carefully so that at 11am on November 11, sunlight will flow through the aperture to mark the time on one of the wheels.

The application also seeks to construct a paved area, access footpath road and car park in surrounding the memorial.

The structure will stand on an area paved with sandstone flags and watched over by benches - designed with help from Belsay schoolchildren.

The idea for the unusual memorial came from the parochial church council.

It is particularly close to the rector of St Andrew‘s, Rev. Michael Bryce who submitted the planning application.

A former army chaplain with 16 years in the forces, Mr Bryce has brought Remembrance Sunday services back to St Andrew’s in recent years.

He said: “I have served in Germany, Bosnia and Northern Ireland as a chaplain posted to different regiments.

“I have seen some of the effects of conflict. They did have quite an effect on me. I’ve always been particularly keen on the remembrance of people who served and those who died.”

But if approved, Bolam’s memorial would also honour the contribution made by those working the land during conflict.

“There are three themes,” said Mr Bryce. “Firstly to honour the fallen of the parish in past years.

“Secondly, to recognise the contribution made to our survival by those who worked the land. Particularly in rural areas, there were quite large numbers of civilians involved in the war effort.

“Thirdly, to reflect that people are fighting and suffering and dying in war today.

“The sun mark on such a significant time and date gives the memorial a timeless aspect of remembrance.”