New memorial garden summer house donated in time for Remembrance Sunday

Fire fighters from Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service have accepted the offer of a local carpenter who has kindly donated and installed a new summer house for the service’s memorial garden in time for Remembrance Sunday.

Jimmy Lea, the owner of Creative Wooden Structures, based in Leekbrook, offered to remove and replace the existing structure in the memorial garden after it fell into a state of disrepair.

The memorial garden, which opened in 2002 in association with the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, is based in Pirehill, Stone.

The aim of the garden is to provide comfort and solace to bereaved families and friends, a place for thought and reflection at any time.

As part of Creative Structures’ offer, the company said it would donate a new purpose built, fully-furnished, round building as well dismantle the old structure, all at the firm’s own expense.

The company said it would also provide three benches for the inside the summer house, along with a table and weather blinds for the winter months.

The installation of the summer house is due to take place on 9 November ahead of Remembrance Sunday on 14 November.

Speaking of the donation, Rob Barber, Chief Fire Officer at Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service, said: “We are thrilled to accept this generous donation from Jimmy and renew our memorial garden space.

“The summer house will help enhance what is a beautiful environment for reflection and reminiscence for bereaved families and friends.

“It’s especially poignant to install this just before Remembrance Sunday, when everyone across the country takes time to remember the sacrifice of those who fought for our nation in conflicts.”

Jimmy, a former Royal Engineer, has family connections to the fire service with both his uncle and brother-in-law, now retired, having been fire fighters.

He had previously received a Bravery Commendation from the Fire Service for saving the life of a young man from a fire in 1994.

To find out more about the memorial garden, visit: Memorial Garden | Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service