Remember our heroes (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Remember our heroes

8:00am Saturday 21st April 2012 in Royal Wootton Bassett

PLANNING is under way in Royal Wootton Bassett for a place of remembrance and reflection for friends and family of fallen servicemen and women.

Town resident Sheridan Parsons is fundraising for a new visitor centre in the former British Legion Hall, in Sparrow Lane, near the High Street.

She aims to raise £100,000 to buy the site freehold and hopes it will become a place of remembrance as well as a source of information for local people and visitors.

“It’s very exciting to have got to this stage,” she said.

“What started out as an idea for a town information website just a short time ago has now developed into a much bigger venture.

“The proposal has received a great deal of support from many members of the community already.

“When visitors come to Royal Wootton Bassett they often ask where they can go to find out more about the town, its connection with the forces, and to remember those who have been repatriated here.

“The aim is to create a vibrant and welcoming visitor area downstairs, with a more tranquil meeting area above. We are also hoping to include a permanent garden of remembrance.

“It would be wonderful if our community could come together to help bring this project to fruition in what would be a humble reminder of our town motto ‘we honour those who serve’.”

The visitor centre has been set up as a community interest company (CIC), meaning it is a not-for-profit enterprise intended for community benefit.

CIC activities are regulated and financial donations can be made in the knowledge that funds are secure and protected.

If the centre accrues any surplus monies these will be donated to appropriate charities associated with Her Majesty’s Armed Forces.

Mrs Parsons is hoping to achieve this by means of financial donations and by organising a programme of fundraising events.

To make a donation or volunteer to help with fundraising visit www.spacehive.com/royalwoottonbassett Mrs Parsons would also like to hear from architects and garden designers who may be keen to get involved in some of the planning aspects.