TWO sisters had a simple message to vandals who trashed their mother’s memorial: “You have not just hurt us but a whole community.”
A plaque and a tree in honour of Maureen Breakspear and her friend Mary Marshall, were ripped up during a night of destruction along Finchampstead Road.
Locals reported plant pots and bins were smashed or knocked over and boards at a nearby estate agent were also damaged.
Police were called to the scene on the corner of Pine Drive just after midnight last Friday.
They found the trunk of the small conifer tree – which was planted two years ago – had been snapped and the tree lying on the ground. The plaque had also been dented.
Both were placed there to remember Maureen and Mary who were heavily involved in charity and community work in Finchampstead.
The two best friends died three years ago just six months apart.
Speaking to The Wokingham Paper, Maureen’s daughters Jane and Karen said that within hours of the news, they had received hundreds of messages of sympathy and support.
“We have been inundated with phone calls and messages on social media from people angry at what has happened and saying it is a disgrace to the memory of two wonderful women who were loved by the people of Finchampstead,” said Jane.
The daughters continued: “Mum and Mary did all sorts of charity work, from planting daffodil bulbs every winter to organising lunches for the elderly and housebound. They loved Finchampstead and the people here loved them.”
Jane said she was devastated to hear about the vandalism in an early morning phone call last Saturday from a friend. She had to break the news to her sister, Karen, and their elderly father, Don.
Karen explained the mindless destruction had upset and united people in the village who were sickened by the damage to the memorial as well as other acts of vandalism.
“I would like to ask those responsible if they understand how its not just us who have been hurt by this, but the community as well?
“Do you really understand how this sort of vandalism affects people? What have you gained from destroying a tree or smashing plant pots?
“You might think these are not expensive items and it was all just a bit of fun. But you cannot know the sentimental and emotional value of these so called ordinary things. They mean a lot to people. Perhaps someone was given a pot plant as a present by a loved one who may no longer be with them. Your selfish actions have upset a lot of people”
Karen said she and Jane along with their dad, laid flowers at the memorial tree on their mother’s birthday and at Christmas.
“It was a focal point for us as a family, and for other people who knew and loved our mum and Mary.
“I want to ask the vandals what if it had been a memorial to your mum or sister? How would you feel knowing someone had thought it a laugh to smash and destroy?
“We are fortunate to live in a lovely area. Why would you want to behave like this in the place where you live?”
The sisters said a number of people planned to launch a fundraising page to replace the damaged tree and plaque.
A spokesperson for Thames Valley Police said: “Thames Valley Police officers were called at 12.03pm on Saturday, August 25, following reports of criminal damage in Finchampstead Road, Wokingham.
“A memorial tree and a plaque were damaged as a result of the incident.
“Officers are investigating. Anyone with any information should call 101.”
