Heather attended the official opening of the Diana, Princess of Wales, Memorial Garden last Sunday joining with the Chairman and Chief Executive of South Derbyshire District Council, Cllr Michael Stanton and Mr Frank McArdle, and the Lord-Lieutenant of Derbyshire, Mr William Tucker.
At the ceremony, an inscription was unveiled by the Lord-Lieutenant and the Memorial Garden poem was read out by Kevin Fegan, a scriptwriter by profession.
The unveiling is the latest in a transformative history for the Memorial Garden. Back in 1981, the area was dedicated to the marriage of the Prince and Princess of Wales before it became a Memorial Garden after the death of Princess Diana in 1997.
The latest work has been supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund and South Derbyshire District Council with the whole garden landscape being refreshed.
Heather gave a short speech at the event and commented:
“Princess Diana’s visit in 1991 lives long in the memory of many Swadlincote residents.
South Derbyshire District Council and the Heritage Lottery Fund should be congratulated for their vision and support in renovating the Memorial Garden for future generations who may not know Diana’s story.
The standard of work is excellent and I would encourage anybody passing the memorial to pause for even a few short moments in this lovely setting.”
Mr Frank McArdle, Chief Executive of South Derbyshire District Council said:
“The Diana, Princess of Wales, Memorial Garden is a fitting mark of respect and a permanent reminder of Princess Diana’s visit to Swadlincote.”