You are here:

Latest news

Arrangements confirmed for unveiling of Sergeant Simon Valentine Way

Published on Wednesday, 2nd August 2023

Sergeant Simon Valentine
Sergeant Simon Valentine

The unveiling of the renamed Sergeant Simon Valentine Way in Bedworth town centre will take place on Friday, 4 August.

Bedworth-born Sergeant Simon Valentine died in action in Afghanistan in August 2009, and councillors agreed this year that his name should be honoured by renaming a stretch of the town centre’s Rye Piece Ringway.

A section of the ring road from King Street roundabout to the Coventry Road will be renamed in his memory.

Sergeant Valentine’s mother Carol will perform the official unveiling of the new road name at the town’s Peace Podium outside Miners’ Welfare Park with the ceremony starting at noon.

She said:

“The family of Sergeant Simon Valentine is extremely proud of the honour bestowed up on his memory in the renaming of the town’s ring road, in recognition of the sacrifice he made for Queen and Country.

“We are extremely grateful to all those involved to enable such a poignant road that plays a major role in the town’s Armistice and Remembrance parades to be renamed.’’

Wreaths will also be laid at the Peace Podium as part of the hour-long ceremony.

An invited audience of relatives, civic dignitaries and military colleagues will gather at the podium from around 11:30am, and residents will be able to view proceedings from the opposite side of the road, facing the park.

The event should be completed by around 12.45pm with minimal disruption caused to businesses and residents.

Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council Leader, Cllr Kris Wilson, said:

“Sergeant Valentine gave his life in the service of his country. It is only fitting that we permanently honour his memory in his hometown.

“I am especially pleased that Sergeant Valentine’s mother Carol will be part of the ceremony.

“It is right that Bedworth, the town that never forgets, should honour him fully on this day.”