The Duke of Kent was in Spalding this morning (Wednesday) to officially open the town’s new Second World War Memorial at Ayscoughfee Gardens.
The Duke arrived by helicopter and then attended a service at The Parish Church of Saint Mary and Saint Nicolas.
From there he braved the bracing wind to head to Ayscoughfee for the unveiling.
A large crowd gathered for the event, which featured a speech by The Duke of Kent and South Holland District Council leader and War Memorial Committee chairman Rodney Grocock.
Coun Grocock said during his speech: “The World War II Memorial Committee has worked extremely hard over two years to raise £70,000 required to build this magnificent memorial to honour the good people of Spalding who fell in World War II.
Addressing the Duke of Kent, Coun Grocock added: “I thank you royal highness for taking time out of your busy schedule to be here today.
“I served in her majesty’s royal navy and I am aware of the sterling work your royal highness does as president of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission and the RAF Benevolent Fund and I thank you, sir, for all your work.
“Spalding is a very small but beautiful market town and your presence here today, royal highness, brings our town closer together and it is a day will we never forget.”
The Duke of Kent’s said in his address: “It is to the great credit of everyone involved with the Memorial Committee – and in particular Chairman Grocock – that the town now has a dedicated memorial for those brave men and women who lost their lives during the Second World War.
“Great credit also has to be given to those veterans who have given up so much of their time to raise vital funds for this memorial, and who, through their passion and dedication, keep the spirit of their fallen comrades alive.
“Thanks too have to be given to the generous donations from local businesses – and also to the people who live in Spalding.
“I have no doubt, through the passion, drive and enthusisiam of everyone involved, that this new memorial will be a symbol of hope over fear, strength over tyranny and a peaceful place of remembrance for many generations to come.”
