Service of dedication for Rochdale in Bloom World War One Memorial Garden

Date published: 01 August 2019

A service of dedication was held at the Rochdale in Bloom World War One Memorial Garden on Thursday (1 August).

Designed as a commemorative World War One centenary tribute, the garden has been moved from its former home near the Gracie Fields statue to outside the former Magistrates’ Court on The Esplanade, near to the Memorial Gardens.

• www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/129217/move-complete-for-rochdale-in-bloom-world-war-one-memorial-garden

Based on 100 years’ celebration since the end of World War One, the garden includes engraved poems, benches, soldier silhouettes, a picture frame and a fantastic floral display, including poppies and other symbolic plants. 

Wing Commander David Forbes opened the service with a reading, before the Last Post was sounded. A one minutes’ silence followed, before the Reveille and the Kohima Epitaph.

Mayor Billy Sheerin welcomed all to the dedication, saying: “It became much more than a temporary structure in the heart of our town centre.

“The garden could never be a permanent feature on Gracie Island. As the town moves forward to 2020 and the arrival of the age of the Dinosaur, or Dippy as we call him, the garden had to be moved. I am sure you will all agree that to site the garden in Rochdale Memorial Gardens means our temporary pop-up garden can become a permanent feature.

“Having spoken to many veterans, I know that the Cenotaph and the memorial gardens are close to all our veterans’ hearts. It is a place of peace and tranquillity, somewhere to sit in silence amongst the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

“We are here today to dedicate the garden, as a town, as a community. Something so small that has such an impact, not only in our town, but messages about this thoughtful project have come from all over the world.

“None of this would have been possible without our Rochdale In Bloom community volunteer group. I would like to thank the sponsors H Bell and Sons, Marshalls, Balfour Beatty and Rochdale Council for being involved in this project, and special thanks to Paul Ellison, our Rochdale In Bloom stalwart for giving our town a garden to remember.

“I am so glad the garden has become a permanent fixture, a fitting tribute to those who sacrificed their all.”

Wreaths were laid before prayers took place.

Councillor Janet Emsley, Rochdale Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Armed Forces, said: “I’m happy that the memorial garden has now found its forever home and hope that people will be able to sit in the garden, reflect and enjoy the flowers and ambience.

“Thanks also goes to all those who have made it possible to maintain this garden in all its beauty.”

Rochdale in Bloom vice chair, Paul Ellison added: “I am pleased to have brought such a poignant feature to the town centre for everyone to reflect over.

“Many thanks to all who played a part in making the feature possible.”