Tag: commemorate

Gosport remembers as new war memorial plaque is commemorated

Posted on by ashleymarsh
Andrea Witham with Cllr Dawn Kelly

Gosportarians gathered together yesterday to remember those who suffered during the enemy action of World War II after a replacement plaque has been sited in Stoke Road.

Marking one of the worst nights of World War II for those living in Gosport – 10/11 January 1941, the replacement war memorial plaque is located on the newer Marina Buildings which were destroyed in air raids.

Yesterday’s commemorative ceremony was organised by Councillor Dawn Kelly, who arranged the replacement plaque thanks to funding from Southern Co-op and its funeral care branch in Stoke Road, after the previous plaque became weather-worn and difficult to read.

The plaque now states: “Marina Buildings. This stone was laid as a memorial to the people of Gosport who lost their lives due to enemy action. Here on the night of 10/11 January 1941 Marina Buildings were destroyed in air raids. Rebuilt December 1947. Architect Ernest I. Thomas FRIBA, Builder John Hunt Ltd, Owner George Brigden.”

Dawn Kelly said: “The previous plaque started life in St Edwards Road and over the years it was moved and had become very weathered. The stone was so hard to read that it made reproducing the text a challenge.

“It needed replacing so I was very pleased when Southern Co-op offered to do it for free via their stonemasons. It is a mark of respect for people who put their lives on the line so it is only right for it to be restored and a commemorative ceremony to mark the occasion.”

During World War II, a total of 114 people lost their lives in Gosport as a result of air raids.

According to Gosport Heritage Open Days, Gosport experienced 1,591 alerts, 61 raids, it was hit by more than 400 high explosive bombs and over 10,000 incendiary bombs were dropped.

Andrea Witham, Funeral Co-ordinator at The Co-operative Funeralcare in Stoke Road, Gosport, said: “With war in the forefront of our minds, it seems even more poignant than ever to mark this occasion and commemorate all those who have lost their lives over the years.

“With many of the people who lived through World War II no longer with us, it is important for the rest of us to take up the baton and ensure their experiences continue to be remembered.”

Special thanks also to Haven Memorials and The Queens Hotel.

Tales of a war veteran to mark Remembrance Day

Posted on by ashleymarsh

Stories told from father to daughter to granddaughter are to go on public display in Sturminster to mark this year’s Remembrance Day.

Gay Wilson, Funeral Co-ordinator at The Co-operative Funeralcare in Sturminster, will be decorating the branch’s window ahead of 11 November with the story of her mother and father’s Second World War experience taking pride of place.

Remembrance Day 2019 also marks the 101 anniversary of her mum who was born on Armistice Day and was given the middle name of Peace.

Herbert John Ling and Lilian Peace Ling’s experience of World War Two was written up decades after the fighting had ended – by Gay’s niece as part of a school project.

Gay, who has lived in Sturminster for 21 years, said: “My father always had great true stories to tell us all about the war, some of which we heard a few times, but nevertheless always fascinating to hear.

“This time of year is especially poignant for my family as mum was born on 11.11.1918. She went on to have 11 children starting with my sister who she was pregnant with when my dad joined the army. She was born in 1940.”

Pages of her parent’s memoirs will go on display in the window of the funeral branch in Station Road with the rest available to read inside.

The account includes memories of her father being on a convoy to Malta carrying ammunition and food supplies. The ship was attacked and one of the holds was hit but thanks to some quick thinking and bags of flour, they were able to get into Valletta harbour safely.

On his last ship, Gay’s father recalls the terrifying moments which they were beached off the coast of France just days after D-Day. Lorries were able to unload their supplies but the crew had to wait until the tide came back in before they could get back out to sea.

Gay added: “My father was a hero to me and my family, but we also always remember all of the heroes that fought for us and our Country during both World Wars.”

Poppies will be available in branch with all donations going to the Royal British Legion.

Other displays of remembrance will also be on show at Southern Co-op funeral branches across the south.

To find your nearest the branch, click here.

Garden grows stronger in Emsworth

Posted on by ashleymarsh

Friends of a memorial garden in Emsworth have been gifted with a donation for new flowers, plants and tools.

Colleagues from Emsworth’s Co-operative Funeralcare branch in North Street visited the memorial garden this week to make a donation of £200.

Situated on the southeast corner of Emsworth Jubilee Recreation Ground off Horndean Road, Emsworth’s Memorial Garden was first opened in 2006 after a suggestion was made by a well known resident of Emsworth – Harold Groom.

Several members of the community subsequently campaigned for a public war memorial which covered World War I, World War II and other conflicts.

Friends of Emsworth Memorial Garden help to maintain the garden as well as a range of other activities including holding regular work sessions to maintain and develop the garden.

Volunteers are invited to join the regular maintenance session which is held on the second Monday of each month from 10am to 12pm.

Annie McKnight, Funeral Co-ordinator at the Emsworth branch – part of Southern Co-op, said: “This memorial garden provides a really essential space and is an important part of our community.

“Being part of a regional, independent co-operative, we do our best to support our local community and it is special when we get to support projects like this. We hope it will continue to provide a place of calm and reflection for many years to come.”

The purpose of the Emsworth Memorial Garden is to give people of all faiths, or none, a tranquil place for them to reflect in their own way and honour those local heroes who have given their lives in the cause of justice and peace.

It includes a Memorial Roll with the names of 234 Emsworth war dead engraved on plaques and a sculpture of ‘absence’ in its centre.

Maurice Clarke, from Friends of Emsworth Memorial Garden, said: “A service for all is held every year in the garden on Armistice Day – the 11th November at 11am.

“Everyone is invited to the service which is attended by local dignitaries, members of the Armed Forces, representatives of the emergency services, together with local schools and members of the public.”

To find out more about the Friends of Emsworth Memorial Garden, visit www.emsworthmemorialgarden.org.uk.

Southern Co-op’s community engagement programme ‘Love Your Neighbourhood’ addresses four key social themes for promoting: ‘Greener’, ‘Healthier’, ‘Safer’, and ‘More Inclusive’ neighbourhoods.

To find out more about Southern Co-op’s commitment to making a difference, click here.