I am delighted to inform you the Howle Hill Memorial Garden is near complete!
We are installing the two lecterns next month and are in the process of seeking planning permission to move the memorial cross into the centre of the garden. Permission is needed because the memorial is a Grade II listed building.
It has been a community-led project with governance provided by Walford Parish Council (WPC). WPC has overseen vital administrative responsibilities with the National Lottery Community Fund grant and approving decisions. We are particularly grateful to Nick Richmond (Clerk) and Cllr Joanne Akers (Chair) for their continued support.
The project has been overwhelmed after receiving significant donations from Freemans Contracting (for removing the concrete wall) and Walford Timber (for supplying the timber for the fence). We also received a significant amount of top soil from a local couple (Mr & Mrs Cornes) which was delivered to the site by local builder Andy Marshall at no cost.
Louise Pilditch from Made in Ross created the artists impression which put our vision on to paper. Balfour Beatty Living Places (BBLP) donated three benches which were refurbished by Ross Men’s Shed. BBLP has been supporting us through our journey in more ways than one. We are especially grateful for them responding to our queries and requests at very short notice!
Each member of the Howle Hill Memorial Project Working Group has played an important role in the creation of this beautiful garden but special thanks must go to WPC Cllr Mark Petersen for managing the works on site and supplying numerous cups of tea to the contractors, Tim Pople (Chair of Walford Village Hall) in liaising with key local residents, Virginia Morgan’s & Bridget Vine’s work and research for the lecterns, Sarah Curtis who purchased and planted the flowers in the planter, WPC Cllr Tara Barnett for his generous donation towards the plants and for connecting the project with local businesses and WPC Cllr Dave Berry for keeping an eye on the legal processes and necessary procedures to ensure the project met parish council and National Lottery standards. There are many others who have provided advice along the way, attended meetings, delivered talks to raise funds, lent a hand to clear brash and made large donations. These and our valued volunteers will be mentioned on a Certificate of Contributions that will be hung inside the bus shelter next to the garden.
With cooler climes approaching – it has been decided to hold the official opening of the garden when the memorial is moved into the garden. We will give you plenty of notice so you can attend in person.
In the meantime, this e-mail is an update to show you what can be achieved when a community comes together and is supported by its partners.
Thank you 👏
Best wishes
Yolande
On behalf of the Howle Hill Memorial Garden Project Team
Our project is funded by National Lottery Community Fund, Walford Parish Council and donations from local residents (past and present)
