New Northampton Saints memorial wall planned at Franklin's Gardens dedicated to those who have 'lived and breathed the club'
A new Northampton Saints memorial wall, which will be dedicated to those who have “lived and breathed the club”, is planned for Franklin’s Gardens.
The club is planning a memorial wall located within a new enclosed memorial garden in a quiet corner of the supporter village at Franklin’s Gardens.
The wall, which will provide a final resting place and will be accessible every day, will feature a limited number of individual niches, each housing a personalised urn and fronted by a plaque made of weather-resistant porcelain. The wall will remainin place for at least 50 years, at which point the club will decide either to extend the life of the wall or to relocate the ashes to a permanent resting place at the stadium.
Families will be able to engrave the plaque with the person’s name, date of birth, date of passing and an optional short tribute message.
Plans came about as the club says it receives many requests from supporters to scatter the ashes of loved ones at Franklin’s Gardens, which has not been possible to date.
Julia Chapman, CEO of Northampton Saints, said: “Franklin’s Gardens has always been more than a stadium – it is a place where memories are made, emotions felt, and lifelong connections built for generations of Saints supporters.
“The Saints memorial wall enables us to respond in a deep and meaningful way to the many supporters who have asked for a place where their connection with this club can endure, while also creating something truly distinctive in UK sport.
“It will be a space of quiet reflection, belonging and remembrance – ensuring that those who were Saints in life can remain Saints forever, at the heart of our club.”
Saints says the wall will be a “place of reflection and belonging for those who have lived and breathed the club”.
The club will also host a number of interment days each year, allowing families to mark the moment of placing their loved ones’ ashes in the wall.
Saints will partner with specialist provider Sporting Legacies to create the wall. Construction is due to begin in summer this year, although is subject to planning permission being granted.