Date set for Memorial Garden grand launch

A poem inscribed into the refurbished Diana, Princess of Wales, Memorial Garden in Swadlincote is to be recited at its official opening by one of Britain’s most innovative playwrights.

Kevin Fegan, who has written several plays and drama serials for BBC Radio 4, will be one of several distinguished guests attending a special ceremony at the popular attraction.

He will be reciting the ‘Memorial Garden’ poem to ‘a nation of Swaddies’ as he invites guests to ‘step inside our garden and unwind’.

The grand opening of the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) backed scheme, will take place opposite Sharpe’s Pottery Museum, in West Street at 11am on Sunday, April 29.

Originally created to celebrate the 1981 wedding of Prince Charles to the then Lady Diana Spencer, the memorial garden became a poignant space of remembrance as the people of Swadlincote and South Derbyshire paid tribute following her tragic death in 1997.

Work has been ongoing since summer of last year to transform the garden, which for the first time has been officially dedicated in the name of the ‘People’s Princess’.

The new-look light, colourful and attractive space has been enhanced by landscape architects Urban Green with new paths, a landscaped seating area, spring bulbs, architectural lighting and timeline of key milestones.

Frank McArdle, Chief Executive of South Derbyshire District Council, said:

“The Diana, Princess of Wales, Memorial Garden is a fitting mark of respect and a permanent reminder of Princess Diana’s visit to Swadlincote.”

Other special guests at the opening ceremony include Mr. William Tucker, HM Lord-Lieutenant of Derbyshire and Heather Wheeler, Minister for Housing and Homelessness. Members of the public are also invited to view the work done as part of the Swadlincote Townscape Heritage Scheme.

In 2015, the HLF granted the District Council more than £400,000 to help make improvements to Swadlincote’s town centre. A total of £97,206.20 was spent modernising the garden.

Through the scheme, grants have enabled repairs and improvements to historic buildings. This has included the former Central England Co-op building and Timms Solicitors, both in West Street.

24 April 2018