Mason Moore & Vaughan Moore | 20 May 2022

A CEREMONY was held inside of Argents Mead’s Garden of Remembrance today (Friday, 20 May), to mark 100 years to the day that Hinckley’s War Memorial was unveiled.

Many turned up to mark the centenary commemoration, including members of the armed forces, local schools, Borough Councillors, civil leaders, and local historians.

Bosworth MP, Dr. Luke Evans, borough mayor, Dawn Glenville, and her Deputy Consort Barry Walker, took part in the ceremony, by laying wreaths, and helping to uncover the flag which covered the names of the fallen on the memorial wall.

In what was a ‘poignant’ nod to past times, descendants of some of the bereaved Hinckley mothers who took part in the original ceremony back in 1922 laid wreaths and paid their respects.

Many prayers were told, and a rendition of “God Save the Queen” was played by a brass band in attendance nearing the end of the short ceremony.

The event even caught the eye of regional TV news correspondents from BBC East Midlands Today and ITV Central paid a visit to cover the momentous event.

Ian Walker, a Standard Bearer from the Royal British Legion, helped organise the ceremony.

Speaking to BBC East Midlands Today, Mr. Walker, explained: “It was important to organise it because it’s too much of a significant event that we couldn’t leave it.

“It’s in honour of those who have fallen and in the honour of those who have died and of the families who campaigned to have this memorial put here.”

Dr. Luke Evans told the Hinckley Free Press: “Yet again, the people of Hinckley showed their community spirit at this centenary event. The compassion and dedication that people had shown at the original ceremony was being shown again today.”

He further thanked organisers and dignitaries for helping arrange the event.

Paul Gardner, Founder of Hinckley District Past and Present, said: “[It was] a very special morning at Hinckley memorial, exactly 100 years to the day since the memorial was unveiled.

“I was honoured to lay a wreath on the foundation stone on behalf of all HDPP members.

“A special thanks to Greg Drozdz and Ian Walker and anybody that helped organise this event. Also many thanks to everybody who took the time to attend along with plenty of school children & students. You made our town proud.”