Action to improve garden of remembrance coming
10:23am Wednesday 4th July 2012 in Letters
FURTHER to the letter in the Packet of June 27, Falmouth Branch of the Royal Naval Association have also noted the condition of the Garden of Remembrance adjacent to the Municipal Buildings, and this has been the subject of discussions by the branch committee.
The branch is at present in contact with Falmouth Town Council and have indicated that, as part of our charitable activities, we are prepared to sponsor the refurbishment of the garden. We understand, however, that there are issues which need to be resolved as to the ownership of the plot of land on which the garden is situated, before any action may be taken.
Meanwhile, we have taken the preliminary step of obtaining draft plans and estimates for the work to be undertaken and if our proposals are accepted we will set aside a specific amount for the upkeep of the garden on a monthly basis.
However, we are keen not to be seen as having a ‘monopoly’ over the site, and if other charities or ex-service associations would wish to contribute to the initial costs, their donations would be most welcome!
The season of Remembrance is at its peak in November each year. In addition to Remembrance Sunday on the nearest Sunday to 11, here in Falmouth there is the annual parade to remember those who participated in the raid on St Nazaire, and other events in which the Garden of Remembrance could or should be a focal point. If our proposals were to be accepted, we would hope to be able to have the work undertaken and completed in time for November.
Quite apart from the (for want of a better word) “ceremonial” events, many private individuals see a Garden of Remembrance as a place to which they may go, to remember loved ones who have paid The Supreme Sacrifice, to perhaps feel close to them, and to leave a symbol of personal remembrance in the form of a poppy or a small wooden cross.
As a registered Charity, the core values of the Royal Naval Association are Unity, Loyalty, Patriotism and Comradeship. Our loyalty is to all our Shipmates; to our local communities; to the personnel and dependants of the Naval Service, and other Charities or organisations with Naval Connections. We take pride in serving or having served, nor do we forget those serving now or those who have fallen in the service of their country.
The refurbishment of the garden is a project in which we would feel both pride and humility.
Ron Burdekin, Hon Secretary Falmouth Branch
