New PoppyScotland Garden of Remembrance Opens at St Mary’s Pleasance so Haddington’s Community Can Commemorate Armed Forces
The Trustees of St Mary’s Pleasance Garden next to St Mary’s Kirk in Haddington are pleased to announce that for the first time there will be a Garden of Remembrance opening in the run up to Remembrance Sunday and Armistice Day.
Starting on Saturday 1st November, visitors will be able to plant a cross with poppy in a designated area within the Garden in commemoration of loved ones who served their country in the armed services or other capacities.
Roderick Urquhart, Lord Lieutenant of East Lothian, said: “St Mary's Pleasance is a beautifully restored 17th century Scottish walled garden, quietly situated in between St Mary’s Church and Haddington House. It is a particularly fitting situation for a Garden of Remembrance, and I applaud the Trustees of St Mary’s Pleasance for offering individuals the chance to commemorate those who lost their lives in service of our country.
“It is especially pleasing that PoppyScotland is supporting the Haddington Garden Trust in organising this moving initiative.
“On Remembrance Sunday, the East Lothian Lieutenancy will, along with others, be laying a wreath at the War Memorial at the entrance to St Mary’s Church.”
Councillor John McMillan, East Lothian Provost and Armed Forces and Veterans Champion, said: “I know that many folk who regularly visit the Garden and others who have never entered its gates will welcome this opportunity to pay their respects, quietly remember, and mark Remembrance and pray for peace.
“I join in thanking the Garden Trust and PoppyScotland on behalf of veterans, serving members of our Armed Forces and their families, and all who want to pay tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice.”
PoppyScotland will provide the crosses and a collection tin/ card reader/ QR code will allow those who wish to do so to make a donation. Crosses will be available from 10am – 12 noon on weekdays and from 10am – 2pm approximately at weekends, subject to weather.
Visitors can enter either from the Sidegate or church yard gates at these times.
Contacts for more information:
Stuart Crawford (Haddington Garden Trust) 07957 859067 / swc@swcrawford.co.uk
Cllr John McMillan (East Lothian Council) 07718 669398 / jmcmillan@eastlothian.gov.uk
Charlie Pelling (Managing Director, Lady Haig Poppy Factory) 07721 031535 / manager@lhpfscotland.org.uk
Jessica Clark (Poppyscotland Appeal Organiser) 07514 721148 / J.Clark@poppyscotland.org.uk