Full Statement by the Town Council Regarding a Request from the Bbc About the Dedication

FULL STATEMENT BY THE TOWN COUNCIL REGARDING A REQUEST FROM THE BBC ABOUT THE DEDICATION OF THE WALLED GARDEN IN THORNE

The Council is aware that this is a sensitive issue and has liaised with the family on a variety of issues following the sad death of Sgt Davidson. This has included the updating of the War Memorial in the Park to include Sgt Davidson (together with a number of other unrecorded military fatalities) to recognise the ultimate sacrifice that has been made by members of our brave forces in the service of our country. This was rededicated on Remembrance Sunday for all lives lost in all conflicts to the present day. As a community and as a nation we come together every year to recognise the sacrifice of those individuals who have lost their lives protecting others and that’s why it was important to make sure that the War Memorial was updated; to reflect the more recent tragic loss of life and for them all to be remembered together.

The request from Toni and Tracey Davidson relates to a part of Thorne Memorial Park known as the “Walled Garden”. The current position is as follows:

1. The Council was invited to bid for resources by Doncaster MBC to improve the Walled Garden in August 2012 to create a jubilee/ peace/ memorial garden for the whole community. An outline scheme was developed, and a funding request was submitted in March 2013. It was approved by Doncaster MBC Cabinet in July 2013. Tenders are currently being invited, and it is anticipated that works will be carried out in Spring 2014.

2. The Council became aware through social media that there were suggestions that the Garden should be dedicated to Sgt Davidson, though no request had been received either to ourselves or Doncaster MBC as funding authority. A meeting was requested with the family which was held in early October 2013 to discuss this further. At that meeting there was no request made for the Garden to be dedicated, but it was agreed that designs for a memorial Tree/ Plaque should be prepared for further consideration by the Council. A specific request has been received from Samantha Davidson for a tree and plaque in the garden.

3. Subsequent to this meeting the Council was made aware of a further campaign including a petition. A further meeting with the family was requested which was held on 3rd December. In view of the sensitivities of the issues involved a representative from the Royal British Legion attended the meeting. At this meeting a request was made for the garden to be dedicated to Sgt Davidson and it was confirmed that it would be considered by Council in January 2014.

The meetings were called to address the situation in a caring and sensitive manner. The council has been supportive of the family and donated £600 proceeds from their annual Christmas concert to the widow of Sgt Lee Davidson in December 2012. In addition, we have laid the foundations within the cemetery for a dedicated bench that is now in situ.

In the light of the above it is sad and disappointing that the Council is being portrayed as being uncooperative and unhelpful.

For additional information please contact the Town Clerk, Jeremy Sherlock on 01405 818015 ().