Newsletter No 2 Spring 2008
Remembrance Day
Silence descended on the Memorial Garden on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month as the traditional 2 minute quiet reflection was observed.
Proud medal-bearing War Veterans, Scouts and Beavers, Councillors, families and individual residents all assembled in the brisk autumn wind to pay their respects to all those who sacrificed everything in the cause of justice and peace.
The stillness was broken by the echoing sound of the Last Post played by trumpeters of TS Unity, Chris Miles and Michael Prowting.
New Pathway
The week following the Remembrance ceremony saw the first physical sign of groundwork activity around the Garden. The work, initiated by Havant Borough Council, involved the repair, levelling and re-surfacing of the pathway dividing the Garden from the recreation ground and the erection of fencing to re-direct pedestrian pedestrians and cyclists around the Garden area.
Work Party
There was a willing turnout of seven volunteers for the working party on a chilly day in December. The objective for the team was to prepare the ground along the garden's rear boundary for its eventual planting by removing all the deep-rooted weeds. We certainly don't want those re-appearing! The task also achieved the second objective - keeping warm!
Maurice Clarke had his own work session a few weeks ago and cleaned off some graffiti which had appeared on the base of the sculpture. Many thanks Maurice.
Flooding
Following the recent deluges of heavy rain, some of you may have noticed a flood appearing in the Garden.
This is a repeat of one which happened in March of last year. Having watched closely it is apparent that these are caused by drain-off from the pathways bordering the recreation ground and the oversaturated cricket pitch unable to absorb more water. In both instances the water drained away quite quickly disappearing within 24 hrs.
Observing this has, in fact, been quite helpful as we have now made modifications to the garden's design and construction.
The Real Work has Begun
After a postponement of a week due to the appalling weather and the extremely soggy condition of the Memorial Garden, the contractors are now on site (28th February). I think we all feel that AT LAST something is really happening.
All the awful old paving has gone. The new path will be the first thing to be constructed, and the levels for the rest of the garden will be taken from it. The entrance piers and noticeboard will probably look rather stark and isolated until the planting has grown up a bit. We are laying turf around the edges of the path and paving, but the rest of the grass will be seeded - one of the benches will only be accessible over the grass, so we hope people will not sit on it until the grass is well established. The work is expected to take about 3 weeks to complete.
Sarah and Paul in discussion with contractors
We will be needing help with digging and preparation for planting the hedges and the raised bed, so the call will be going out for volunteers in due course. Any help you may be able to give would be very much appreciated.
Finances
The £10,000 we received from Awards for All will pay for the hard and soft landscaping. To date, generous donations have been received from a number of local organisations, including EBA, ERA, EHS and the Wednesday Group as well as private individuals. This money will be used to purchase hedging plants and some of the plants for the main raised bed.
Thanks to the efforts of Councillor David Gillett, Hampshire County Council has awarded the 'Friends' a sum of £1990. This will pay for bronze plaques to be fitted to the four waymarkers to complete the Memorial Trail and a bronze plaque to commemorate the unveiling and dedication of the sculpture Absence in August 2006. This plaque will be mounted on a low stone plinth behind the sculpture.
Harold Groom has been making his own contribution to fund raising by generously donating the proceeds of his Memoirs and has already raised £160 for the fund. Many thanks Harold.
In addition, several local garden centres have been approached for plants, compost and mulch. A Better Neighbour scheme run by B&Q is also being applied for, which if we are successful could pay for some tools, temporary fencing, manure and mulch. We are also hopeful that the Southern Co-Operative Foundation will reconsider our application for funding the memorial name plaques.
Presentation of cheque by members of the Wednesday Group.
A high spot of the last work session was the on-site presentation of a cheque for £300 from ladies of the Wednesday Group. Headed up by Joanne Thomas, Joyce Gibson and Thelma Bray with their many willing helpers, this is a club which organises a variety of events for the purpose of raising funds to help local charities. Over the years they have raised and distributed some £17,000 around deserving local causes.
Membership
Current membership stands at 54.
We are now approaching our yearend and subscription renewals will be due at the end of February. Our subscription year runs from 1 March to end of February of any one year, irrespective of when you first joined. However, if you joined 'The Friends' after December 2007, you will not have to renew your membership until March 2009. You will be able to renew your membership at the AGM on 6 March.
If you cannot get to the AGM please download and print out the membership renewal form. Send it together with your subscription of £3 per person to Maurice Clarke (address on form). If you receive a paper copy of this newsletter, a renewal notice will also be included. Donations are also very much appreciated.
The garden needs more 'Friends'
If you are not yet a member or know of anybody else who would like to join the 'Friends', please Download and send off the new members form
AGM
Friends of Emsworth Memorial Garden AGM is to be held on 6th March at 7.30pm in the Emsworth Centre, South Street. After reports by the Chairman and Treasurer, the committee will be formally elected.
Nominations for honorary officers or members of the Committee must be made by members of FEMG either in writing at least 7 days before the Annual General Meeting or in person at the Annual General Meeting.
The meeting will be immediately followed by a 'wine and nibbles' social event where you can meet those involved with the Garden and other Friends. A raffle will be held in aid of the memorial garden. Do bring your friends along - they are very welcome to join in.
Forties Flashback
19th April will see a great event in the centre of Emsworth.
A flashback to the forties with an exhibition of memorabilia in International House, military vehicles, uniforms and a Soup Kitchen and display in South Street Community Centre.
Angel Radio will be setting the musical scene with sounds from the period.
Watch this space!