In January 2022 it was discussed in the Parish meeting and agreed by members that Murton Parish Council would commission a sculpture for Murton by Ray Lonsdale.

Ray had a unique concept for Murton with ‘CHILDREN OF MOTHERS’
They won’t all have had girlfriends, boyfriends, wives, children, sisters or brothers.
They won’t all have been heroes or volunteers or understood the actions of others,
But they will all ‘ALL’ have been children of mothers.

During many discussions in Parish Council meetings where it was raised that, with Murton’s strong mining heritage, that maybe we should look at a miner for our Villages statue and it was agreed that as this was a piece for the people of Murton, that they should have a say in what it was.

A public consultation was arranged by Murton Parish Council with residents of the village all invited, and with Ray there to share his ideas and answer any questions, it was agreed by majority that the statue should be of  ‘Children of Mothers’ and would be sited at the Cenotaph as per Rays vision.

She was completed in October 2023 and embarked on a tour of local Cenotaphs to pay her respects, before settling into her permanent home at Murton Cenotaph ready to join with Murton at this years’ Service of Remembrance.

Many thanks to Ray Lonsdale for his design and skilled workmanship, and also Area Action Partnership at Durham County Council who alongside Murton Parish Council helped to fund this with the support of our local County Councillors.