Village memorial garden appeal
Latest Update
Below are the initial plans for the Memorial garden.
We thank everyone who has donated so far, we are also working hard in the background to apply for various grants and funding.
Heddington and Stockley Royal British Legion Branch - est 1925.
What is this about?
Developing a Memorial Garden for the village to use.
Where is it going to be?
The garden is to the right of St Andrew’s Church immediately opposite the T-junction. It’s where the flagpole often flies the Union Jack.
Who owns it?
The land was given to the Heddington and Stockley RBL Branch in 1925 and, if the branch every ceases to exist, the garden will become the property of the village. This is specified in the deeds of ownership.
What is it for?
Although it is used every year for the Service of Remembrance in November, the rest of the year it stands idle and over time it has become rather unkempt and tired. When it has been re-developed, it will be tranquil space for anyone to use when they need to, not just members of the RBL.
Why now?
It is the branch Centenary in 2025 and now seems an ideal time to renovate the garden in readiness for that anniversary.
How are you going to do this?
Above is the outline plan of the redesign that will give everyone in the village a space for quiet contemplation and reflection whenever they need it as well as continuing to provide a more formal area for Remembrance Services We will obviously need funding to pay for the redevelopment so our plan is to approach the National Lottery for a grant and hopefully match anything they give us with money from the Village Amenity Fund and local businesses.
How can I help?
You can donate via the branch website on branches.britishlegion.org.uk or via our Give a little page. Any contributions will be very gratefully received.
When the plans are more detailed, you may also wish to help with the actual work so just register your interest now by emailing
[email protected] or by calling the branch chairman Major Tom Roach on 07570 035801.
The Memorial Garden Appeal
The Garden is at the heart of Heddington adjacent to St Andrew’s Church. Created on the site of the old legion hut in 1992, the land was generously given to the Branch in 1925, in perpetuity, by the Whetham Estate. It is a tranquil place, many people use it as a place for quiet contemplation and it is a real village asset next to the churchyard. The land belongs to our branch – not the Legion in London – and will be ceded to the village if the branch ceases to operate.
The time has now come to re-develop the garden, to make it fully accessible for everyone, easier to maintain and truly fit to be an excellent village amenity for many years to come. We need funds to do this so are now launching our appeal. This page will be updated as more information becomes available. In the meantime any questions should be sent via [email protected]
https://givealittle.co/campaigns/6a1aed8d-8e8d-409d-9b49-f514821cf630
