VIDEO: UNVEILING OF SALFORD VETERANS GARDEN AND MEMORIAL BENCHES

Several hundred people gathered today at Swinton Civic Centre for the unveiling of the the Salford Veterans garden which has a plaque on the wall giving the names of 29 servicemen who have lost their lives in conflict since 1945, and also the new benches for each of the recipients of The Victoria Cross.

The project was the brainchild of Glenn Croston and Wayne Fox who run the Salford Veterans Club in Winton, which provides meals and refreshments each Saturday morning, but also a meeting place for local veterans.

A marquee was provided for family and friends of the veterans to sit in as the order of service began with the Salford in Harmony Choir singing, Stand by Me and I Vow to Thee My Country.

Ceremonial Mayor, Councillor Ann-Marie Humphreys thanked everybody for attending, with Diane Hawkins, His Majesty's Lord Lieutenant of Greater Manchester also in attendance.

I was particularly moved as Glenn Croston read out the names of the 29 fallen servicemen, and the names on the memorial benches, several people were seen to be moved to tears, such was the emotion on the day

A two minute silence was impeccably observed at The Last Post played by Christopher Harrison rang around the gardens followed by The Kohima Epitaph, then finally the National Anthem performed by the Salford in Harmony Choir.

Paul Dennett finished the event by thanking everybody for attending with a special mention for families of the fallen and the ex servicemen who turned out in force.

The gardens will provide an all year round area for quiet reflection around the existing Cenotaph and is a fitting tribute to these men whose names will know never be forgotten

Thanks to Councillor Maria Brabiner (Broughton Ward) for some of the photos used.