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We’re delighted to share three major milestones for the Freedom Fountain Memorial Project — and one clear next step for everyone who’s been asking how to help: you can now donate to help us build the memorial in Cambridge.
If you’ve followed our updates over the past year — from our first community gathering at Ditchburn Place to the relationships we’ve built through civic and parliamentary conversations — this is the moment the project turns from vision to delivery.
On the 2nd of January 2026, we marked this “before” moment, ahead of transforming the space into a lasting memorial On the photo are the Bridging Worlds charity, with some of the others involved in the project. Picture: Keith Heppell / Cambridge Independent
1) Planning permission is granted — we can build at Ditchburn Place
Cambridge has now granted full planning permission for the Freedom Fountain Memorial to be built at Ditchburn Place (just off Mill Road), beside the Cambridge Gateway from India. That approval confirms the memorial can be delivered in its intended form and location — a huge step forward after months of consultation and detailed design work.
What we’re building (in brief): a working fountain and “living memorial” designed for everyday encounter — a place of reflection, learning, and shared remembrance in one of Cambridge’s most diverse neighbourhoods.
2) Our charity is registered — and donations can now go directly to delivery
We’ve also secured a crucial foundation for the work behind the scenes: the charity supporting the project is now formally registered under UK Charity Number 1215794. This gives the memorial a dedicated governance structure and a robust platform for transparent fundraising and delivery.
Our constitutional objects are clear: to advance arts, culture and heritage through memorials; to advance education in shared history and service; to promote community cohesion; and to embed sustainable development in how the project is designed, built, and stewarded.
3) Westminster reception — bringing the project to a national audience
To match the scale of the story we’re telling, we’re taking Freedom Fountain to Westminster. On 9 February, we will host a reception at Speaker’s House, Westminster, bringing together supporters, community leaders and dignitaries to showcase the project’s purpose and progress — and to widen the circle of people helping us deliver it.
This follows the spirit of our recent public work: building partnerships that keep the memorial apolitical, areligious, and all-encompassing — while honouring service and sacrifice across communities.
In the Cambridge Independent: Our latest milestone has also been covered by the Cambridge Independent.
Call to action: donate now to help build the memorial
With planning permission secured and the charity in place, we are now actively fundraising for construction and installation. The current projected budget range is £100,000–£150,000, depending on final technical and materials decisions.
Please donate via our Support page — and share it with anyone who believes Cambridge should tell this story in public, in permanent form.
Every contribution helps move us from approved plans to a built memorial — in bronze, stone, water and light — that future generations can visit, learn from, and gather around.
The people and partners making this possible — Thank You!
We want to pause and recognise the growing circle of people who have helped bring Freedom Fountain to this point — from early conversations to planning approval, and now into delivery.
Local civic support and encouragement has been vital from the start. Our early discussions in Cambridge — including with former Mayor Baiju Thittala — helped shape the belief that remembrance should live in the city year-round, not only on ceremonial dates.
At Westminster, support is helping us build a national platform for a Cambridge-led memorial. We’re grateful for the backing around the upcoming Speaker’s House reception — including support involving Cambridge MP Daniel Zeichner, other parliamentarians, and the Speaker’s office — as we bring this story to a wider audience and invite more people to stand with the project.
We also want to thank the artists, engineers and institutions contributing expertise to ensure the memorial is both beautiful and built to last:
- Cambridge-based sculptor Colleen McLaughlin Barlow, whose banyan-tree concept sits at the heart of the memorial’s symbolism and design.
- The Dyson Centre for Engineering Design (University of Cambridge) and its team supporting the plumbing/hydraulics and technical development, alongside specialist contributors including Dr Richard Roebuck, Mr Barney Coles, Dr Claire Barlow, Dr Jim Woodhouse, and Professor Allan McRobie.
- Anglia Ruskin University (ARU), through its Live Brief Programme, supporting public engagement and interpretive elements such as signage and narrative installations.
- Bronze Age Foundry (East London), bringing world-class casting craft to the memorial’s bronze elements.
- Our wider design and delivery contributors, including Dean Goodchild (Cantab Design Ltd.), Jon Baxter, and Skyla Wang, supporting architecture, sustainability, maintainability, and visual communication.
We’re equally grateful for community endorsement, including from Dr Atif Aziz and the Cambridge Pakistan Cultural Society, whose words reflect exactly the kind of inclusive civic memory we’re working to create.
And we want to offer special thanks for the public encouragement of Captain (Ret.) Yavar Abbas, whose endorsement has brought historic weight and human emotion to this project.
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On the 10th of November our team joined the Great Faith Initiative for an intimate lunchtime reception in the River Room, House of Lords, a setting reserved for charitable and cross-party gatherings overlooking the Thames. The reception—hosted with the support of The Rev. the Lord Russell Rook (Baron Rook) and led by Nizam Uddin OBE — centred on Great Faith: Stories of Sacrifice and Contribution, a portrait series by Arabella Dorman honouring servicemen and women of many faiths who fought for Britain during the World Wars and those who serve today.
A shared purpose
Speaking on behalf of the project, Abdul highlighted Freedom Fountain’s core ethos: an apolitical, areligious, all-encompassing memorial that honours service and sacrifice across communities. Artist Colleen McLaughlin Barlow briefly outlined the creative process behind the memorial concept and reflected on how little many in Britain—including herself before this work—knew about the scale and significance of the United British Indian Army’s contribution.
“Our unique strength is inclusivity.”, added Piero D’Angelico. “That’s what gives this memorial such momentum”.
Encounters that move the work forward
What made the day exceptional was the calibre of conversations—and the warmth behind them:
H.E. Ambassador Sheikh Al-Mahfoudh bin Bayyah, Secretary-General of the Abu Dhabi Forum for Peace, travelled to London for the reception and spoke about work that “connects with the heart.” After hearing about the Fountain’s progress—built thus far entirely through volunteered time—he encouraged us to stay in touch and expressed interest in a forthcoming January gathering.
We met leaders and representatives from national remembrance organisations, including the Royal British Legion, to explore alignment around remembrance symbols and educational outreach.
Rear Admiral Amjad Hussain CB—the highest-ranking officer from a minority ethnic background in the British Armed Forces—offered encouragement and support. His career, from Naval Base Commodore Portsmouth to Director (Precision Attack) and Controller of the Navy, exemplifies the very stories the reception sought to foreground.
Also a retired Air Marshal and Wing Commander, Dr Rafat Malik from the Royal Air Force to over 20 years in senior leadership roles, Dr. Rafat’s path has been nothing short of extraordinary. We’re beyond excited about the opportunity to collaborate with Dr. Rafat.
Conversations also opened with civic and community figures: Afzal Khan MP (Manchester), Chair Sir William Blackburne, and trustees Mateen Zaki and Shama Husain from World War Muslim Memorials Worldwide, who are excited by the freedom fountain project and want to engage and Bushra Nasir CBE, chair of EQUiP, who urged us to connect around challenging narratives and widening participation.
Artist Arabella Dorman reflected on the portraits at the centre of Great Faith: even when source photos were aged or torn, “the eyes were telling the story” — guiding how she painted courage, loyalty and faith. Her core message resonated with the room: Britain’s wartime armies were richly diverse — Muslim, Christian, Jewish, Hindu, Sikh and others — serving shoulder-to-shoulder; too many of those stories, especially Muslim stories, remain untold.
Lord Russell Rook himself closed by saying to us, “Count me in.”
Why it matters
For Freedom Fountain, the day underlined a growing coalition committed to remembrance that unites faiths, histories and generations. We left the River Room energised—grateful to Great Faith for convening such a thoughtful gathering, and confident that the Fountain’s inclusive vision can serve as a shared focal point for partners across the UK and beyond.
What’s next
We leave the House of Lords encouraged and energised. The day affirmed Freedom Fountain’s unique positioning—inclusive by design, built in partnership, and focused on shared remembrance. With new relationships formed and invitations extended, we will follow up with partners from faith, civic, military and cultural spheres to carry this work from the River Room into communities across the country.
With gratitude to Lord Rook, Nizam Uddin OBE, Arabella Dorman, and all who welcomed us today—and to everyone who shared their time, stories and support.
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On Sunday 9 November 2025, members of the Freedom Fountain team joined the city’s civic and community leaders for the annual Remembrance Sunday Service on Hills Road, Cambridge — an occasion that brought together residents, veterans, and representatives of the Armed Forces in solemn reflection and unity.
The ceremony, led by Revd Imogen Nay of St Paul’s, Hills Road, began with the traditional march to the war memorial at 10:35 a.m., led by Cllr Russ McPherson on bagpipes and including the Regular and Reserve Armed Forces, Cadets, Scouts, Guides, and veterans. Just before 11 a.m., the city fell silent for two minutes to remember those who gave their lives in service to peace and freedom.
The Mayor of Cambridge, Cllr Diana Pounds, was joined by the Deputy Lieutenant, Mr James Hutt, Daniel Zeichner MP, Cllr Cameron Holloway, Leader of Cambridge City Council, Cllr Peter McDonald, Chair of Cambridgeshire County Council, the Chief Constable Simon Megicks, and representatives from the Royal British Legion, Cambridge University, Anglia Ruskin University, and local faith communities.
(See full coverage and photos: Cambridge Independent — In Pictures: Cambridge Falls Silent to Remember the Fallen)
Commonwealth Voices and Shared Remembrance
This years’ service held particular significance as part of the 80th anniversary year of the end of the Second World War, following the city’s VJ Day 80 service at Great St Mary’s in August.
Representing the Freedom Fountain Memorial Project, Abdul Kayum Arain, Piero D’Angelico, and Colleen McLaughlin Barlow were among those attending the ceremony on Hills Road, joining civic leaders, veterans, and members of the Armed Forces in remembrance.
At both the August and November services, Rotarian and community leader Mukesh Malhotra BEM BCAv PHF MSc CISM represented the Commonwealth contribution to the World Wars, reading at the VJ80 Commemoration and again on Remembrance Sunday.
Mukesh’s reading opened: “Today, on this special Remembrance Sunday, we gather in solemn remembrance of all who gave their lives in the service of peace and freedom over the past 80 years since VE and VJ Day. We honour the courage, sacrifice, and steadfast spirit of those who served in times of war and conflict, and we give thanks for the peace they helped secure”.
He continued with a Commonwealth Tribute, honouring the men and women who journeyed from across India, the Caribbean, Africa, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and beyond to serve in the Allied cause. Paying particular tribute to the 2.5 million soldiers of the Indian subcontinent, Mukesh said: “Sikhs, Hindus, Muslims, Christians, and others — standing shoulder to shoulder in courage and loyalty”.
Quoting Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore from Gitanjali, Mukesh concluded: “When I stand before thee at the day’s end, thou shalt see my scars and know that I had my wounds and also my healing”.
These words, echoed across the memorial, resonated with the mission of the Freedom Fountain — a living memorial that will honour the 4 million men of the United British Indian Army, whose courage and humanity transcended borders of faith and region.
Freedom Fountain: Continuing the Legacy of Remembrance
For the Freedom Fountain team, Remembrance Sunday reaffirmed why this memorial — now progressing through its design and planning phase — matters so deeply.
The forthcoming United British Indian Army War Memorial Fountain at Ditchburn Place, Mill Road, will stand as a sustainable and inclusive tribute to those who served. Its bronze Banyan Tree and paisley-shaped pond will symbolise endurance and unity, while its solar-powered water flow will ensure that remembrance continues in harmony with nature.
As outlined in our Design, Heritage, and Access Statement, the memorial honours the shared heritage that connects Cambridge to the Commonwealth — from those who fought in two world wars to those who helped rebuild Britain in peace.
“By fostering unity and remembrance through a shared historical and cultural narrative,” says project co-director Abdul Kayum Arain, “the Freedom Fountain will stand as a symbol of peace, gratitude, and hope for generations to come”.
As the City of Cambridge once again stood still in silence, the team reflected on how remembrance — like the fountain’s water — continues to flow: from the courage of those who served, through the gratitude of those who remember, into the hope of those who will carry the legacy forward.
📸 Explore more images from the day via the Cambridge Independent feature:
Cambridge Falls Silent to Remember the Fallen — In Pictures
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A distinguished voice of remembrance lends public support to our memorial initiative.
The Freedom Fountain initiative is honoured to receive the public support of Captain (Ret.) Yavar Abbas, a 105-year-old World War II veteran, 11th Sikh Regiment, and acclaimed filmmaker. Captain Abbas, who documented pivotal moments of the 20th century and later produced award-winning films, met with members of our team to discuss the project’s aims and governance.
Meeting Captain Abbas
Inspired by a recent BBC Radio 4 interview with Captain Abbas, our team reached out and was invited to meet him. Representatives Abdul, Piero and Colleen attended, presenting the project’s purpose, oversight and timeline. Captain Abbas conducted a clear-eyed review of our plans, asking precise questions about responsibilities, budgeting and public communications. When he learned that the sculpture design work is being donated, he expressed heartfelt appreciation to Colleen, underscoring his respect for voluntary contributions to the public good.
Having witnessed the consequences of global conflict first-hand, Captain Abbas spoke movingly about the duty to remember. His reflections on sacrifice and responsibility resonated deeply with our team and reaffirmed the importance of an inclusive memorial in Cambridge.
Captain Abbas recommended that our materials consistently use the historic name “United British Indian Army (1898–1947)”. We are implementing this across our website and documents to ensure accuracy and context. He also encouraged us to seek national partners, including the National Memorial Arboretum and the Royal British Legion, and has offered to write to relevant institutions to support those conversations.
Recent recognition: meeting the King
In August 2025, during the 80th anniversary of VJ Day at the National Memorial Arboretum, Captain Abbas went “off script” to salute King Charles III for attending despite undergoing cancer treatment—an emotional moment that moved the King and Queen Camilla to tears and drew wide national coverage. After the ceremony, the King spent time speaking with Captain Abbas and his family. (The Independent)
Next steps
Captain Abbas has formally expressed strong support for the Freedom Fountain. He has indicated interest in visiting Cambridge with his wife and in hosting a film evening, potentially featuring excerpts from Faces of India. He has urged us to maintain momentum on registrations, planning and stakeholder engagement, and will remain in contact as we progress.
We are profoundly grateful for Captain Abbas’s endorsement and counsel. His involvement strengthens our commitment to a memorial that honours the service of the United British Indian Army (1898–1947) and reflects the shared values of remembrance, unity and peace.
— The Freedom Fountain initiative
P.S. The BBC also covered Captain Abbas’s royal moment online: The 104-year-old WW2 veteran who moved the Queen to tears.