For the first time, a Garden of Remembrance has been created in Cleckheaton for the purpose of providing a sacred place where members of the public can place their own crosses as a mark of respect and Remembrance.

The Garden is located alondside the main entrance to Cleckheaton Town Hall and has kindly been provided by Kirklees Parks department , following discussions with the Branch Chairman and Secretary.

At 11.00am on Monday 7 November 2011, the Branch Chairman Mr Eddie Morton, welcomed our Principal Guests, Major (Ret) Stanley Hardy TD,DL, Deputy Lieutenant of West Yorkshire, Lord Shaw of Northstead and Lady Shaw, Mr Mike Wood MP together with Councillors A Pinnock, K Pinnock, M Bates, Palfreeman and Holmes.

Special guests were the families of the late Sgt Oram MM and Corp Smith.

The Branch President Mr Eric Martin MBE gave a short opening address and the Branch Chaplain Rev Brunel James offered prayers.

The distinguished guests followed by members of the public were then invited to place their crosses in the Garden.

Thanks go to The Royal British Legion Womens Section once again for the light refreshments and to Church Grange for use of their facilities.

The Garden of Remembrance will remain in position for the Poppy weeks every year.

Principal Guests assembled outside the Town Hall

Branch President Mr Eric Martin MBE addressing the crowd.

Major Hardy laying the first Remembrance Cross assisted by Branch Chairman Mr Eddie Morton.   Photograph by Courtesy of The Spenborough Guardian

Branch Standard Bearer, David Lamb after the opening ceremony.

Legion Members left to right, President Eric Martin MBE, Jim Hodgson and Chairman Eddie Morton.  Photograph by courtesy of The Spenborough Guardian.

Branch Vice Chairman Malcolm Wilkinson and Standard Bearer David Lamb

Photograph by courtesy of the Spenborough Guardian