A life-size statue of an airborne soldier has taken pride of place at the home of the Parachute Regiment in Colchester, with the support of local law firm Fisher Jones Greenwood.
The bronze Colchester Airborne Soldier Statue was unveiled on Friday 31 July, marking 25 years of 16 Air Assault Brigade being based in the city.
Created by award-winning sculptor Amy Goodman, the statue depicts a modern airborne soldier, standing on a two-metre-high limestone plinth at the junction of Circular Road North and Flagstaff Road, close to the historic entrance to Colchester Garrison.
Fisher Jones Greenwood undertook the legal work that helped secure the site for this important community project, providing its services at a reduced rate.
Charlotte Knappett, Senior Partner and Head of Family at Fisher Jones Greenwood, attended the unveiling. The firm’s contribution is also permanently recognised on a bronze plaque naming the organisations and individuals that helped bring the project to life.
Charlotte Knappnett and event organiser Curt Vines, HEO/Major (retired) of HQ Colchester Garrison, in front of the recently unveiled statue.
Charlotte said: “Seeing the statue unveiled was incredibly moving: the military and community stood side by side, a moment of history that I’m sure none of us will forget. The statue honours those who serve and have served, remembers those who have given their lives, and recognises the sacrifices made by military families.
“Colchester’s military community is woven into the identity of the city. We were proud to provide our legal expertise and help resolve the issues surrounding the statue’s permanent location” said Keeley Miller, a Partner at Fisher Jones Greenwood, and its Head of Commercial Property, who oversaw the firm’s legal work on the project.
“This memorial will give serving personnel, veterans, families and the wider community a place to come together, reflect and remember for generations.”
The unveiling included a ceremonial parade involving serving personnel from 16 Air Assault Brigade and veterans from the Parachute Regiment Association, alongside military, civic and community representatives. A fete was then held in the afternoon welcoming the military and civilian community, allowing them to come together in celebration.
The statue commemorates the Brigade’s 25 years in Colchester and celebrates the close relationship between the city; the Parachute Regiment and the wider Airborne Forces community.
Fisher Jones Greenwood also supported fundraising for the memorial, including sponsoring a 100-mile walk from the Airborne Soldier Statue in Aldershot to the proposed Colchester site and were present to welcome the incredible young woman and her partner as they completed the walk.
The statue’s location places it close to Colchester’s Roman circus, Britain’s only known Roman chariot-racing arena. Two significant historical landmarks alongside each other.
Fisher Jones Greenwood is also the corporate sponsor of ‘The Lexden Lady: From Burial to Biography’ exhibition at the nearby Roman Circus Visitor Centre.
Charlotte added: “Colchester has an extraordinary story, from its Roman heritage to its modern military role as the home of 16 Air Assault Brigade. As a firm with deep roots in the city, we are proud to support projects that preserve that heritage and strengthen our community.”
The Colchester Airborne Soldier Statue now provides a permanent focal point recognising the courage, service and sacrifice of generations of Airborne Forces personnel.