Garden of Remembrance - 1947

 The Garden of Remembrance, also known as the Memorial Garden has been an accepted part of High Lee Park for almost 60 years. So long in fact that for most people its origin is obscure.

The following report of the opening ceremony comes from the High Peak Reporter of July 18th 1947 and expresses something of the feeling of the time:

˜The people of New Mills honoured their war dead on Saturday, when, standing on the grassy slope of High Lee Hall Park, hundreds of them joined in a simple yet impressive service at the end of which the garden of remembrance was opened. The garden, in memory of the 39 who went to war and paid the supreme sacrifice and the civilians who lost their lives when a German bomber brought death to New Mills, and also to commemorate the services rendered by townspeople during the war, was opened by Major-General G. W. Richards C.B., C.B.E., D.S.O., M.C.

Though not yet completed, the crazy-paved garden, with small fir trees, neatly laid out rockeries, colourful flowers, well trimmed patch of greensward, and a 150 year old sundial, presented a picturesque appearance-a fitting tribute to those who gave their lives. On the platform, decorated with national colours, were Major-General and Mrs Richards, Councillor F. S. Kitchen (chairman of the War Memorial Committee) and Mrs Kitchen. Mr Hugh Molson M.P., Councillor J. W. Etchells, J. P. (chairman of the council) and Mrs Etchells, Councillor Fred Bonsell (chairman of the Parks Committee), Mr W. Larkum (secretary of the War Memorial Committee), Mr F. Brocklehurst, J.P. (treasurer of the War Memorial Committee), Mr D. H. Nicholson (clerk to the Council) and two clergyma n- Rev. G. T. Perry (vicar) and the Rev. Peter Rock (Methodist minister). With the slate grey uniformed members of Thornsett Price Band providing the music, all in the park and those looking down from St. Marys road joined in the National Anthem and the hymn ‘Now thank we all our God'.

 The vicar read the opening sentence and introduction beginning with the well known words, ˜Greater love hath no man than this “' followed by that familiar hymn without which no remembrance service would seem complete - ˜O God in Ages Past'. Prayers of remembrance and dedication were offered by Mr Rock and to Lawrence Binyon's immortal words - ˜They shall not grow old.' and all repeated the vow ‘we shall remember them.'

Two minutes silence was followed by prayer, led by Mr Rock and after the responses the vicar an RAF chaplain in the war, dedicated the garden ‘in the faith of Jesus Christ, to the glory of God and in memory of all who laid down their lives in the services of their fellow men, and also to commemorate the services that were rendered by the citizens of New Mills during the war years.' He offered prayers for the blessing of the garden, and for all who suffered as a result of the war, and everyone joined in the Lords Prayer.
Mr H. E. Holland sounded the Last Post and Reveille, the hymn ˜These Things Shall be-a Loftier Race' was sung and the vicar pronounced the final blessing.

Councillor Kitchen, himself a soldier in the recent war, presided at the opening, welcoming Major-General and Mrs Richards. Major-General Richards now General Officer Commanding North Midlands District had a marvellous record and Councillor Kitchen wanted to express the town's appreciation of his fine services.

 The garden of remembrance had been possible through the excellent response which the people had given to the war memorial fund. All the paths had not yet been finished, but it had been felt better to have the opening ceremony whilst there was a chance of decent weather. Four seats, donations by local societies, were on order and as a centre piece the committee had accepted the offer of a stone that which would be suitably inscribed. Until completed the garden would remain first priority in the war memorial scheme.

Councillor Kitchen gave figures of the part which New Mills played in the war. Out of a population of 8,000 some 1,371 people - Army 887, Navy 172, R.A.F 229, Women's Services 83 - had served in the forces. It was regretted that 39 had paid the supreme sacrifice, while others had been disabled. ‘We are very proud of their service and are glad that many of the returned members have come to the opening', he added. In addition New Mills had a well organised Civil Defence Service ready for any emergency. Unfortunately, as a result of one raid there was loss of life. ‘One could say by the services given from New Mills we endeavoured to give our quota', concluded Councillor Kitchen.

Major-General Richards congratulating the committee and particularly Councillor Kitchen, on the fine achievement of collecting almost two thousand pounds - equal to five shillings a head of population - described the garden of remembrance as a practical and sensible memorial. After his address Major-General Richards accompanied by the platform party, went to the entrance to the garden where he cut a length of white silk, officially opening the garden.

Thanks to Major-General Richards were expressed by Mr Molson who thought that the memorial, useful and beautiful was something which those who had fallen would themselves have chosen. Councillor Etchells seconded the vote of thanks and placed in the garden a wreath of red, white and blue flowers on behalf of the townspeople. And as the band accompanied the singing of˜Land of Hope and Glory', four women walked forward with bunches of flowers placing them beside the town's wreath in memory of their loved ones.'

 

 

 

This site is listed in the British Towns and Villages Encyclopaedia of Great Britain and we can be found in the entry for New Mills