Politics & Council · Salisbury
Salisbury children to receive commemorative medals for city's 800th anniversary
By Swindon Now Editorial Team · Published
Salisbury City Council has approved plans to spend £30,000 on commemorative medals for thousands of local children to mark the city's 800th anniversary in 2027.
Every child living in Salisbury is set to receive a commemorative medal to mark the city's 800th anniversary, following a decision by Salisbury City Council. Councillors voted to approve the initiative at a full council meeting on Monday, 14 September, despite a debate regarding the project's cost and environmental impact.
The council has allocated up to £30,000 from its general reserve to cover the commissioning, production, and packaging of the keepsakes. The medals are intended to celebrate 800 years since King Henry III granted the city its Royal Charter in 1227.
According to figures presented during the meeting, the scheme will cover approximately 7,250 children residing within the Salisbury parish, ranging in age from nine months to 18 years. This includes around 5,300 school-age children and 1,950 children in early years settings. Officials are looking to procure up to 10,500 medals to ensure a wide distribution.
The design of the medallions is expected to feature either King Henry III or King Charles III on one side. The reverse side may display the Salisbury coat of arms or the iconic cathedral spire, alongside the inscription 'Salisbury 800 Charter Anniversary 1227–2027'.
The proposal, moved by Councillor Brian Dalton and seconded by Councillor Sam Charleston, faced opposition during the debate. Some councillors raised concerns over the expenditure, questioning whether the funds could be better utilised elsewhere, while others queried the environmental footprint of producing thousands of metal items.
Addressing the council, Cllr Dalton defended the initiative, noting that the £30,000 budget represents a small fraction of the wider £9 million investment earmarked for the Salisbury 800 celebrations. He argued that the medals would provide a tangible, lasting connection for the city's youth to this significant milestone in local history.
Following the vote, which saw 10 members in favour and six against, the council will move forward with seeking manufacturing quotes. Plans are for the medals to be distributed through nurseries, pre-schools, and schools across the city in 2027 as part of the broader anniversary programme.
Source: Salisbury Journal — Salisbury · View original