After more than 30 years of raising money to take military veterans back to Normandy to pay their respects a charity stalwart is changing direction.
Fundraiser and veterans champion Harold Payne, of the Anglia Motel at Fleet Hargate, is officially opening his memorial garden next month, complete with 1,000 roses.
“Sadly all our veterans have now departed this world and I promised I would switch our fundraising and construct a memorial rose garden to honour fallen heroes from recent conflicts,” said Harold.
The garden will be officially opened on Sunday, July 3 to coincide with a military vehicle rally at the motel.
There will be a short walk from the motel to the garden led by pipers before a special service conducted by Pastor Ross Dean. Everyone is meeting at 11am at the cafe.
“If any parents of any serviceman killed in recent conflicts would like to join us then they are welcome to join us for the opening,” said Harold.
The next phase will see the creation of a Tree of Life memorial at the site.