A KIND-HEARTED Pershore man who was instrumental in creating the town’s commemorative garden will be honoured with a unique tribute.
Ted Annis, who passed away in November last year, was the founder of the Pershore and District branch of the Royal Naval Association (RNA) and the leading figure in creating the commemorative garden in Pershore’s Abbey Park, including helping to raise £10,000 in three years towards the project.
The garden opened in May 2011 and is dedicated to all those who have served their country in the Armed Forces, with Mr Annis completing seven years serving in the Royal Navy from 1955 to 1962.
And now, Wychavon District Council has joined forces with the RNA to create a special storyboard which will outline the history of the garden and why it was created.
The artwork will be installed in time to be officially dedicated and blessed during the RNA’s Armistice Day Service on November 11 which also marks one year since Mr Annis’ passing.
A second tribute will also be planted in the park in December in the form of six deep pink and white cherry trees which have been sponsored by the RNA where the colours have been chosen to represent as closely as possible the red and white of the Naval Ensign.
They will form a memorial to all those from Pershore and the wider district who served in the Royal Navy.
Businesses and individuals are also being urged to sponsor further cherry trees which will be planted along the Abbey Road side of the park, to add to the hundreds of bulbs already planted there to create a burst of colour during springtime.
Mr Annis’ daughter Trudy Burge, who supported him in creating the commemorative garden, said: “I knew dad’s illnesses were fatal from 2005 and I was so blessed he recovered from being seriously ill in January 2011 to be there at the commemorative garden when we unveiled the stone.
“My mum, sister Wendy and I are extremely grateful to Wychavon District Council for all their help and support since dad’s death, especially to parks officer Lynn Stevens who came up with the wonderful idea of the storyboard that ensures the history of the garden will be there for residents and visitors to read for many years to come.”
Lynn Stevens, parks officer said: “We’re delighted to be working in partnership with the RNA to create this fitting tribute to Ted and all those who have served their country in the Armed Forces.”
Mr Annis will also be remembered during the RNA’s annual Sea Sunday Service on July 26 from 11am at Pershore Naval Social Club.
