Lichfield-based property developer, Fresh Space Ltd (http://www.fresh-space.com) have unveiled a permanent memorial plaque in memory of prominent Staffordshire environmental campaigner, Elizabeth Sasse, at its development of the former Stafford Art College,The Oval, yesterday.
Elizabeth played an integral part in the Save The Oval Please (STOP) campaign which she had first instigated in August 2003 at a public meeting to discuss the future of the prominent building which was under threat of imminent demolition. As a prolific environmental campaigner and member of Friends of the Earth, Elizabeth was determined to save the imposing Oval Art Annexe, which dates back to 1906 and is sited on a conservation area in the centre of Stafford.
Sadly Elizabeth passed away in October 2006, before the Oval had completed its transformation into the contemporary apartment complex which it now houses. A collection was held at Elizabeth’s funeral which was kindly donated by Elizabeth’s husband, Christian, to her fellow members of Friends of The Earth to be used to create a permanent memorial in Elizabeth’s honour. It was felt only fitting that the plaque should be erected in the main lobby of the Oval conversion, a building which without Elizabeth’s passion and determination may no longer be around today.
The unveiling ceremony was attended by Elizabeth’s husband, Christian who now lives in Canada, as well as many of Elizabeth’s friends and fellow members of the STOP campaign as well as Fresh Space Sales Executive, Alison Rafferty and newly appointed Construction Director, Gary Bower.
Rob Rafferty, Fresh Space Group Managing Director, comments:
‘Fresh Space worked closely with the STOP campaign in the early stages of the development of the Oval as it was keen to retain the character of the original building and ensure that the restoration was carried out in sympathy with the surrounding area. I hope Elizabeth would have been pleased with the Oval’s latest reincarnation and the memorial plaque serves as a fitting closure to a campaign which was close to many people’s hearts in Stafford’.
Event organizer Robert Hine and STOP campaigners Sue and Paul Craig
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