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The Memorial Garden

13th June 2024

It was a grand affair in Whiteley Village on Wednesday 12th June as the Memorial Garden was officially opened.

Before the project started back in February, the area now known as the Memorial Garden looked very unloved and neglected. Laying adjacent to St Mark’s Church, it was the ideal spot to be turned into a place for quiet reflection and contemplation.

A lot of clearing, weeding and digging was needed so our Volunteer Co-ordinator, Lilian, mobilised a team of resident volunteers led by Paul, Dave and Barry and called upon the help of Parkside Prep School Year 7 boys.

Generous donations came in from Walter Lilly Construction and Lodge Brothers Funeral Directors, both local companies, which enabled us to buy supplies necessary for planting and adding some much-needed colour.

Over the months, it started to take shape and, with the help of our Property and Estates Team, it was finally ready to be opened. On the day itself, the Cobham Colliery Band from ACS International School, Cobham, treated the village to a New Orleans style Mardi Gras as they led a procession playing music, pausing outside Huntley House so our less mobile residents could come out and enjoy it. They eventually wound their way through the village and ended up at the garden where an assembled crowd was waiting.

Finally, it was over to CEO, Rachel Hill, who thanked all those who had worked so hard and who made kind donations to bring the space to life and cut the ribbon declaring the Memorial Garden officially open. The Year 7 boys from Parkside Prep School in Cobham were on hand to make sure everyone had refreshments. All the villagers who attended said what an incredible transformation it was and hoped that many people would use it as a place to come and enjoy.

As a charitable trust, there are many opportunities and projects at Whiteley Village that need donations and in-kind support and we would welcome the chance to talk to you about these. We can also help you to fulfil your Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and arrange work parties with your teams. Please contact marketing@whiteleyvillage.org.uk if you would like to find out more and work with us.