The Memorial Trail grew out
of the 2004/2006 Havant Borough Liveability Project which allocated money
from a special central government fund to improve public open spaces. The
six Community Boards in different parts of the borough were each given an
allocation of money to spend on community projects. After much deliberation,
the Emsworth Community Board (ECB) decided that a Memorial Trail and
Memorial Garden would be one of their two main projects.
Harold Groom, a resident of Emsworth for more than 50 years, has been
actively campaigning to get a fitting memorial for Emsworth since 1994. He
attended numerous meetings of the Emsworth Community Board as a member of
the public and has played an important role in taking this project forward.
Liveability money paid for the main sculpture ‘Absence’ and the 4 waymarkers.
‘Absence’ is dedicated to the memory of all those people from Emsworth who
died throughout the world in the name of peace and justice, including those
who died in the two World Wars. A copy of the roll of honour currently in St
James’ Parish Church will be displayed on name plaques as part of the
Memorial.
A new voluntary community group, the
Friends of Emsworth Memorial Garden,
has been set up to complete the Memorial Garden and its ongoing maintenance.
Emsworth's Original War
Memorial
Inauguration of the new war memorial.
In December 1950 this shelter, designed by Peter Elcock (second from
left), was built in St Peter's Square to commemorate Emsworth's war
dead. The group includes the chairman of Havant and Waterloo Urban
District Council (HWUDC) (third from left) and members of the British
Legion including Mrs Meredith (far right) and Miss Stott (fourth from
right, front row).
Photo courtesy Ems Valley Gazette
The New Memorial .The
Memorial Sculpture was officially unveiled on 11 August 2006 in the Emsworth
Memorial Garden by Mrs Mary Fagan, Lord-Lieutenant of Hampshire. A very
moving Dedication Service was conducted by the Reverend Tom Kennar with
readings by representatives of the various Churches in the town. The band of
TS Unity played before and after the ceremony, and bugler Jonathan Camps
played The Last Post and The Reveille.
There were many visitors, including Worshipful the Mayor of Havant,
Councillor Richard Brown, and Councillors Brendan Gibb-Gray, David Gillett
and Virginia Wilson-Smith. Also present were representatives from the
British Legion, Guides, Scouts other local organisations, many residents of
Emsworth and officers from Havant Borough Council.
Pick up a copy of the Memorial Trail
leaflet in Emsworth Library and many shops, pubs and restaurants.
The
Memorial Roll, taken from St James' Church
is now online.
We are especially keen to correct any
errors fill in
the " gaps" and add any memories that you might have of the
servicemen on the roll. If you can help please
contact us.
The Friends of Emsworth Memorial
Garden are preparing to have permanent name plaques made for the
garden so please advise any errors and additions urgently.
