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The creation of the garden and restoration of the World War One Memorial plaque carved exactly 100 years ago has been a special project of the Friends of St. Mary’s, Higham Ferrers, who have organised fundraising activities and secured funding from the East Northants Community Facility and Empowerment Funds. Financial donations have been forthcoming from the Swivel Club, the Bell Ringers and the Parish Church Council of St. Mary the Virgin. Other individuals, with no wish to be named, have organised fundraising events and given donations to include the provision of a bench to commemorate those who gave their lives.
The eighty silver granite setts in the Durham Cross represent the eighty names on the Memorial and the garden is dedicated to all who gave service 1914 - 1918 from Higham Ferrers.
The ceremony, including the reading of the Roll of Honour of one hundred names was very poignant, and brought home to the modern audience the scale of the sacrifices made. This was followed by the planting of a Peace rose by veterans Joe Granfield and Roger Freeman and rosemary for remembrance by local World War One historian and author, Geoff Moore.
Also in attendance were the Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Northamptonshire, Morcea Walker, representatives of the Royal British Legion, and the Mayor of Higham Ferrers, Chris O’Rourke.
The Last Post and Reveille following two minutes silence were played by William Mantle of the Ferrers School.
The Friends of St. Mary’s wish to thank all those who have helped and pledged their support for this special garden and hope that this will be a place where visitors may find peace and space for reflection and healing; a place of remembrance and of hope.
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