Bassetlaw memorial park marks 40th anniversary of Falklands conflict

Memoria Barnby Moor Memorial Park and Crematorium, in Ranby, hosted the Military Wives Choir and a number of dignitaries, including representatives from the Royal British Legion, for a service of commemoration on May 21.

The event commemorated 40 years since the conflict over the South Atlantic territory which claimed the lives of 255 British military personnel.

A range of local and national dignitaries and military personnel gathered to commemorate the conflict, which spanned from April to June 1982.

Representatives from local churches, as well as former Paratroopers and members of the Royal British Legion also attended.

Ahead of the event, coun Sybil Fielding, vice chair of Royal British Legion’s Worksop branch, wrote the names of every serviceman who died on small poppy crosses.

These crosses, alongside 255 pebbles painted by Worksop children for Morrison’s Poppy Appeal display in November were placed along the avenue of trees in the memorial garden by RBL Worksop branch officers, Grant Cullen and Tim Lewis.

Howard Hodgson, chief executive of Memoria, owners of the crematorium, said: “The Falklands War is an important part of the history of our country and it’s vital to mark such important milestones for the benefit of generations past, current and future.

“At Memoria, we take our responsibility of being a community facility very seriously and events such as the commemoration service are a key part of that.

“We hope this dignified and reflective event gave our community the opportunity to remember all of those brave soldiers who lost their lives and ensure we never forget their sacrifice.”

For more information visit www.memoria.org.uk.