A COVID memorial garden – made up of four new rose beds – was officially opened in Coventry’s War Memorial Park on Monday to remember all those who lost their lives during the pandemic and to mark the UK City of Culture year.
Picture by Marcus Mingins.
The Godiva Trust worked in partnership with park bosses and sponsored the new areas.
The head gardener Craig Mundy and his team then helped source and plant the specially selected roses, including the fragrant ‘nostalgia’ variety.
The opening was attended by the Deputy Lord Lieutenant Col George Marsh and Lord Mayor of Coventry, Coun John Mc Nicholas who made speeches and unveiled the plaque.
Rose Garden 2
Picture by Marcus Mingins 2421003MMR2 www.buyphotos247.com
The Master of Coventry Freemans guild also attended and Fr Teddy from Our Lady of the Angels, Princethorpe, and Fr Moses from St Elizabeth’s, shared their thoughts with the families of the Godiva Coventry Sisters touched by the sad loss of loved ones.
Children from five different schools were also present, including Heart of England School, Promcethorpe College, Cardinal Newman, St Elizabeth’s and St Peter’s and St Paul’s.
Other groups at the socially-distanced event included Coventry Rotary, Soroptimists International and Lions International.
Picture by Marcus Mingins 2421003MMR6 www.buyphotos247.com
Lady Godiva Pru Porretta had the idea during the winter months after seeing the four empty spaces whilst decorating the Godiva Trust Peace Tree.
She spoke to the Mr Mundy about the garden which will enable people to go for quiet, peaceful reflection.
The four rose beds are shaped into the four suits found in a pack of cards.
Pru said: “We look with our hearts and touch others for the greater good and the diamond shines like stars, giving us comfort, encouragement and inspiration when we need it.
Picture by Marcus Mingins 2421003MMR5 www.buyphotos247.com
“Clubs represent the groups we have in our community – from after school, gardening and lunch clubs to Rotary, Lions and Soroptimists.
“And spades are used to dig the earth to produce good food, trees, plants and flowers – enabling seeds to take root flourish and grow.”
She added the rose garden would provide an area where people could remember friends and family who had died in Coventry, the surrounding area or abroad.
And she thanked Mr Mundy and his team for working with The Godiva Trust to make her vision a reality.
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