As I reported in the last news letter the ‘There but not there’ outline of a soldier that had been fixed to the exterior wall of the transport gallery of the Tolson Memorial Museum has gone. It had been seriously vandalised and what was left I felt had to be taken down. The police did patrol the garden for several days after this happened and detained someone but I am not aware if it was the culprit.
Up to this point I have always been pleased to be able to tell people that we have very little vandalism in the garden, except sometimes around the base of the plinth. Lets hope that the scale of the last episode is a one off! The lack of vandalism is mainly, I think, because so many of you enjoy walking through the Garden regularly. Problems don’t usually happen in well used places!
The ‘Friends’ committee met on Sunday, the first face to face for over a year! Amongst plans for future events in the Museum and Garden, we discussed what to do next about the vandalised figure. Should we replace it with a replica, if we can get one, or should we go for something different such as a commemorative bench? We had a lengthy discussion at the meeting but did not come to any conclusion, except to agree that we would investigate the prices of some alternatives. However some of us still feel that we ought to try to replace the original.
If you receive this newsletter, you are also a Friend of Tolson & Ravensknowle. We, the committee, would very much like to know your view. The Heritage Memorial Garden is there as we, the Friends, were awarded Heritage Lottery Money many years ago to establish this Heritage Memorial Garden for the community.
Do you think we should replace the outline with a replica? Or go for a bench or something else? We would really like to hear your view, by the end of September. You can contact me in the usual way by email secretary@friendsoftolson.org or give me a ring on 07803159506.
The Gardening Club meets every Thursday at 10am for an hour, weather permitting, and I am usually there so you can come and have a chat and give me your view.
I feel that this comes at a very poignant time for us in this area with the withdrawal from Afghanistan. Several men and women from this area gave their lives in this conflict.
Heritage Memorial Garden and Mikron Theatre present…
Atlanta Forever – The story of Women’s Football
12 noon Saturday 4th September
Refreshments. Collection.
To attend the show you need to get a ticket. To do this visit Micron website: https://mikron.org.uk/tour-dates-detail?show=2021-09-04-tolson-museum&c=set
Tolson Motorcycle Show
Tolsom Memorial Museum forecourt.
Sunday 5th Sept
11am — 4pm
Refreshments
Museum open from 12
Gledholt Male Voice Choir
Heritage Memorial Garden
The famous local choir will be entertaining us with a selection of songs
2pm Sunday 19th September
Collection. Refreshments.
Tea & Cake meeting
Wednesday 8th September 2pm
Heritage Memorial Garden
Come and join us in the garden for a catch-up chat and to hear about the programme for the coming few months. Looking forward to seeing you all again.
About Friends of Tolson & Ravensknowle
The Committee of Friends of Tolson & Ravensknowle meet once a month to plan the programme for the local community and support the work of the Museum. We look after the Heritage Memorial Garden. We would welcome any one who is interested in working with us.
For more information please contact Volunteer Ann, Friends of Tolson & Ravensknowle. m: 07803159506 email: secretary@friendsoftolson.org