Nationwide staff in Northampton lead tributes to fallen ahead of Remembrance Garden with memorial garden

The Remembrance Garden has been created at Nationwide's offices in Moulton Park.

Nationwide branches in the Northamptonshire have supported the Royal British Legion for a number of years. This year, to help raise funds for the 2016 appeal, the society is creating a memorial poppy garden at Nationwide’s Northampton Administration Centre, Kings Park Road, Moulton Park.

The garden, which will be available to view from Monday November 7 until Friday November 25, will be open for anyone to place a cross in tribute to those who have died during war. More than 17 million people died during the First World War, 60 million people were killed during World War II, and millions of others and their families are still affected by war today.

Nationwide branches will be selling Royal British Legion poppies, badges and wristbands, as well as wooden memorial crosses for the garden, where people can write a private message before the cross is placed in the garden. Crosses which have been written on in a branch will be transported daily until Friday November 11 to the memorial garden and displayed.

The Royal British Legion will also be in attendance at the site between Tuesday November 8 and Friday November 11, and anyone is welcome to place a cross themselves in the garden.

Liam Richards, Nationwide area director for Northants and North Bucks, said: “This is a fantastic way for our branches and admin centre in Northampton to support the Royal British Legion, by creating a moving and thought-provoking memorial garden which our people and customers alike can view.

"We’ve been supporting the Royal British Legion for many years, and we’re really looking forward to getting involved and to see the garden in full bloom.”

Peter Eames, a member of the Royal British Legion commented; “The idea of creating a poppy garden is one we are thrilled to get involved with. It is fantastic that Nationwide has been able to secure an area in Northampton to create the garden. It feels like a special way to remember those who gave their lives at war.”