Service and prayers mark opening of 2025 Garden of Remembrance
The Mayor of Winchester Cllr Sudhakar Achwal was honoured to join representatives of the local Royal British Legion at a service to mark the opening of the 2025 Garden of Remembrance.
The garden, a small fenced area close to the statue of the King’s Royal Rifle Corps soldier in the grounds of Winchester Cathedral, is a place for anyone to leave a poppy cross in memory of their loved ones. The service took place beside the garden on Tuesday 4 November.
Earlier in the day, handcrafted poppies were added to the railings and gates of historic Abbey House, the Mayor's official residence.
The Mayor said: “I would like to extend my sincere thanks to RBL Winchester Women’s Chair Sue Butcher, her husband John Butcher, and to RBL Winchester Men’s Chair Chris George, for inviting me to join this deeply moving and dignified occasion. We stood together, veterans, their families, and members of our community, to honour those who have served and sacrificed.
“Canon Marion de Quidt led a touching service that reminded us of the courage and devotion of soldiers and civilians alike.
“I would also like to extend my thanks to Sue, John, and Chris for the many hours they spent decorating Abbey House and Winchester Cathedral with such care and respect. Chris is the local Poppy Appeal co-ordinator and I wish him every success in his continued work, which does so much to support veterans and their families. Their collective dedication helps to keep the spirit of remembrance alive in Winchester.”
Sue Butcher added: “This service has been taking place for over 20 years, and it means so much to people; they can place a cross and remember their loved ones. We were honoured to be joined veterans for this service, and we’re so deeply honoured to continue this marking of remembrance for Winchester.”
The Mayor of Winchester Cllr Sudhakar Achwal will join the Royal British Legion on the steps of Guildhall Winchester on Tuesday 11 November at 11am to mark Armistice Day and observe a two-minute silence. Members of the public are welcome to attend.
The Mayor will also attend the Remembrance Sunday service in Winchester Cathedral on Sunday 9 November at 10am, followed by the Act of Remembrance at 11am at the war memorial in the Outer Close.
Acts of Remembrance are also taking place throughout the district including in Bishop’s Waltham, Alresford and Denmead.