Work goes on at World War II memorial garden 10 years after opening
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
Wick’s World War II memorial garden blossomed into life 10 years ago today – and the work to keep it as a fitting place of remembrance has never stopped since.
The garden in Bank Row had its official opening on August 28, 2010, on the site where 15 people lost their lives in an air raid in July 1940.
It commemorates the victims of that attack as well as the three people who died in October the same year in a raid on Hill Avenue, near the town’s RAF base.
Volunteers from the memorial garden group, Second World War Air Raid Victims Wick, are taking the opportunity to thank everyone in the community who helped to make it possible.
They are also keen to highlight the continuing need for fundraising to cover expenses such as insurance and the cost of buying new plants.
Many relatives of those who lost their lives in Bank Row and Hill Avenue were among the guests at the opening ceremony a decade ago. It was a landmark day for the volunteers – but it had taken years of negotiation, fundraising, planning and groundwork to get to that point.
The group’s secretary, Yvonne Hendry, explained that the efforts to turn the site from a neglected wasteland into a place of remembrance were well supported by many local businesses and individuals.
She also pointed out that during the coronavirus pandemic the garden has been valued as a safe outdoor space.
"Even in these difficult times when I'm round working in the garden people will always stop for a chat and many visitors come in and ask about it," Mrs Hendry said. "It’s good to see friends meeting in the garden with a coffee, as it’s a nice space to meet up in a socially distanced way.
"Everyone is welcome in the garden. All we ask is that people treat it with respect."
She added: "Planting and maintenance continues throughout the year and we would be pleased to hear from anyone who can help with hands-on tasks."
Anyone wishing to support the memorial garden can email Yvonne Hendry at yvonne@cvg.org.uk
Ten of the 18 victims of the 1940 bombings in Wick were children, ranging in age from four to 16 years.
