RESIDENTS, veterans, the Royal British Legion (RBL) and council officials and town MP joined together for a moving service to mark the centenary of the Redditch Garden of Remembrance.
The ceremony, held at the garden on Plymouth Road, commemorated 100 years since the space was established as a place for honouring those who have served and sacrificed in conflict.
The garden was created in 1925 on land donated by the Earl of Plymouth and designed by renowned local architect John Gibson Blakey.
Chairman Gerry Marsden led the solemn Act of Remembrance, including the Exhortation, the Last Post, the two-minute silence, and the Kohima Epitaph.
Wreaths were laid by the borough’s Mayor Councillor Joanna Kane, Mr Marsden, Chris Bloore MP, and members of the public, each tribute a quiet testament to lives remembered.
RBL branch secretary Mark Evans said: “As the sun shone over the blooms and the breeze stirred the trees, the Garden of Remembrance stood as it always has – quiet, dignified, and eternal. May it continue to be a place where memory blossoms and peace takes root.”
Speaking after the event, Mr Bloore said: “It was a true honour to join so many from across our town to mark the Garden of Remembrance’s 100th year – a living testament to our community’s respe ct and gratitude for those who served and sacrificed.
“Places like this hold deep meaning, reminding us of the freedoms we enjoy today and the price paid by previous generations to secure them. As we reflect on a century of remembrance, it is clear that this garden remains as important as ever.”
The ceremony included the unveiling of a new commemorative plaque by the Mayor, who paid tribute to the generations of service men and women remembered in the garden.
As the Garden of Remembrance enters its second century, it remains a vital focal point for commemorative events, including the annual Remembrance Day service.
