LAST century, a church put up a plaque to two of its most loved members, so they would never be forgotten.

But years later, the plaque was picked up for next-to-nothing at an Oxfordshire scrapyard.

For the past 20 years, it has hung on the wall of a workshop and now its owner has now made an appeal to find out more about the people behind the names – and hopefully restore the plaque to its rightful home.

Alan Bourne, 66, from Drayton, near Abingdon, said: “Many years ago I needed a piece of brass for a job I had and went to a local scrapyard to find some.

“I was given several pieces, which included a couple of old memorial plaques.

“I never used them and pondered then, and since, how sad it was that ‘sacred to the memory’ could mean so little that these memorials were thrown away.”

It is believed the plaque could have been left with the scrapyard after the demolition of a church.

The memorial reads: “To the glory of God and in grateful memory of Charles Awbery, the much loved and honoured superintendent of this Sunday School 1891-1928. Also in memory of John E Harper, assistant superintendent who fell in action at Gallipoli 1915.”

Another plaque was used by Mr Bourne in his antique metal restoration work – something he said had always made him feel “quite guilty”.

He added: “I would love to know who they were and where they once worshipped.”

He hopes to hear from anyone who has information about the men or the church.

He added: “These two men are at least remembered in one small corner of England.”

Do you know the men named on the plaque or where it came from? Call Rhianne Pope on 01865 425411.