Armistice Day: Thetford remembers the fallen

Wreath-laying at the Armistice Day service at the Market Square in Thetford. Picture: STUART ANDERSON (Image: Archant)

The garden in the King's House Gardens was dedicated after an Armistice Day service at the town's Market Square today (November 11, 2016) in front of a crowd of about 30 well-wishers.

Denise Jones, of Thetford, led the project and designed the Great War Memorial Garden, which features a 2m-tall cast steel poppy made by Kevin Whittred, which is emblazoned with the years 1914-1918.

Mrs Jones, 65, said it had taken her 'a couple of years' to create the garden, which would serve as a reminder of the sacrifices of war.

She said: 'There was such a great loss of life on both sides and it was such a horrific slaughterhouse. We really need to remember that hand how important it is to keep peace.'

People gathered at the Armistice Day service at the Market Square in Thetford. Picture: STUART ANDERSON (Image: Archant)

Retired Methodist Rev Ken Nicholls read a prayer, saying: 'As we dedicate these gardens we remember those whose lives have been sacrificed in the search for a better world. May we honour those we remember through our generosity of spirit.'

Stuart Wright, vich-chairman of the Staniforth Trust, which administers the gardens, said: 'This is a really nice addition which allows people somewhere for quiet contemplation as they come in to use the gardens.'

The garden includes Edith Cavell roses, white standard rose trees and remembrance red roses.

Peter Jones and Barry Trainor also worked on the project.

Denise Jones and Kevin Whittred at the opening of the Great War Memorial Garden in Thetford. Picture: STUART ANDERSON (Image: Archant)

'We will remember them'

Irrespective of age, occupation or creed they came, bearing poppies on their chests and solemn gratitude in their hearts.

More than 100 people stood in remembrance of our war dead at the Market Square Armistice Day service.

Staniforth Trust vice-chairman Stuart Wright cuts the ribbon at the opening of the Great War Memorial Garden in Thetford. Picture: STUART ANDERSON (Image: Archant)

Standard bearers from Thetford's Royal Legion branch and cadets lowered the tips of their flags to the ground as the Last Post was played, and prayers were read in tribute of those who died in wartime so that we may live in peace.

Roger Smith, chairman of the town's Royal Legion branch, repeated the poignant words from the poem 'For the Fallen': 'Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning. We will remember them.'

Thetford's mayor Terry Jermy laid the first wreath at the square's war memorial.

A group of three and four-year-olds from Thetford's Play Days nursery were also there, and yongsters Harvey Dole, Lottie Catchpole and Emily Nibble laid a wreath along with nursery deputy manager Jodie Smith.

Town mayor Terry Jermy and others at the dedication of the Great War Memorial Garden at the King's House Gardens in Thetford. Picture: STUART ANDERSON (Image: Archant)

Denise Jones and Kevin Whittred at the dedication of the Great War Memorial Garden at the King's House Gardens in Thetford. Picture: STUART ANDERSON (Image: Archant)