A NEW artwork to mark the centenary of an inspirational message left by Ellesmere-born social reformer Eglantyne Jebb, has been erected in the town.

The five-foot carved stone, which has been placed in the Cremorne Gardens, has been created by artist John Neilson from Llansilin and was commissioned by the Ellesmere Sculpture Initiative, which has developed the town's popular sculpture trail.

It reads "Mankind owes to the Child the best it has to give", which was the inspirational messaged left after Jebb wrote a five-point charter which became the foundation for the historic Geneva Declaration of the Rights of the Child.

The ground-breaking document was adopted by the League of Nations in 1924, setting a benchmark for the health, welfare and education of children, and their protection from violence, abuse and exploitation.

Border Counties Advertizer: The stone pillar provides a photo opportunity for visitors to the Mere (Picture by Juliet Shone)The stone pillar provides a photo opportunity for visitors to the Mere (Picture by Juliet Shone)

Trudi Graham, the sculpture group’s artistic co-ordinator said: "John Neilson has lovingly designed and created this beautiful artwork, which he hand-carved with Trevor Clarke.

"It is a fitting tribute to the achievements of Eglantyne and [her sister] Dorothy and we’re sure it will attract the interest and attention of visitors as much as the other features in the Jebb Garden."

The carving is the final phase of a four-year project to celebrate and commemorate the pioneering work of the sisters, who co-founded Save the Children in 1919 to combat famine in mainland Europe at the end of the First World War.

Border Counties Advertizer: A simple message with powerful words ( Picture by Trudi Graham)A simple message with powerful words ( Picture by Trudi Graham)

The Jebb Garden near the Mere also includes an abstract sculpture representing the sisters, together with a winding labyrinth path symbolising the perilous journeys taken by vulnerable refugee children fleeing war, famine and the effects of climate change. This leads to a carved-oak displaying a refugee child trying to take shelter.

It has been partly-funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund and Arts Council, England, with support from Shropshire Council, Ellesmere Town Council, local schools, businesses, voluntary organisations and individuals.

"With all the terrible things currently happening in our troubled world – war, famine, global warming and the plight of refugees – Eglantyne’s message and the sisters’ inspirational legacy through the work of Save the Children is as relevant now as it was 100 years ago," added Trudi.