The first suggestion that Burbage should have its own Memorial seems to be in a sermon preached by the Vicar of Burbage at a series of Memorial Services to the village's fallen, held in the Parish Church on Sunday, 29th December 1918 (reported in 'The Buxton Advertiser' of the 4th January 1919).
The Rev. J. Hewetson said "in the course of an eloquent sermon" that ".. he hoped someone would suggest a permanent memorial either in the Church or somewhere near, which might be looked upon by future generations as a reminder of the self-sacrifice and sterling character of those of this day and generation who had given their all for the cause of righteousness."
The Burbage Roll of Honour was read at each Service held that day.
Nothing official appears to have happened until a meeting of Burbage residents was called on Friday, 2nd May 1919 (though no doubt there had been much local discussion). The meeting, held in the Parish Room was ".. for the purpose of discussing the question of a suitable memorial for the many gallant lads who have given their lives in the great cause of liberty."
'The Buxton Advertiser' (3rd May 1919) reported at some length as there was a
good attendance and Mr T.H. Lothian, J.P., was elected Chairman. It was "regretted
that Mr Hubbersty was not present" - this was Henry Alfred Hubbersty who was the
Director of Buxton Lime Firms Ltd. and lived with his wife and 6 servants at Burbage
Hall, Buxton [pictured right]. He sent a letter by way of his apologies because of illness,
but assured the meeting "… you may rely on my doing all I can to support the erection
of a suitable memorial … ". His letter went on: "Had I been present I would have
suggested a stone monument - of Derbyshire stone for choice, so many of them being
quarrymen - placed in a prominent position close to the church, chapel or school …".
He also enclosed "… a drawing, showing a very elegant, but perhaps too expensive an
obelisk, as an idea."
Mr Hubbersty's letter concluded by offering his wife's apologies for not attending the meeting, but that she too favoured the idea of an obelisk "… or perhaps a lych-gate."
To his credit, and despite the obvious pressure from the local 'gentry', the Chairman maintained that it was a Parish meeting and therefore non-sectarian, and the views of the local residents should be sought. Having said that, however, he suggested that the Vicar address them! It seems that from this very first meeting the idea of an obelisk took root.