HQ Memorial Garden
A substantial legacy left to the force has been used to fund the relocation of the force memorial garden.
Early in 2015 we learned from solicitors acting for the estate of local resident Val Hills that she had left what amounted to about £98,000 to the force.
Val and her husband Bill were great friends of the force so Chief Constable Neil Rhodes and a small group deliberated long and hard on how the legacy could be used and provide a lasting memory of a couple who obviously held Lincolnshire Police in high regard.
“Above all I did not want that substantial amount disappearing without trace, it deserved to provide a permanent reminder of the high regard Val and her husband Burt held for us and the work we do,” said Chief Constable Neil Rhodes.
“We decided it would be appropriate to use the money to fund the relocation of the force memorial garden."
Previously located in a small area between two basement sections of the building, it has been moved and rebuilt in the grounds to the front of headquarters, which opens up access and provide car parking to those who want to visit and remember their relatives who died whilst serving Lincolnshire Police.
Parkwood Consultancy Services won the tender to provide the new memorial garden and central to their design are pillars representing Sir Robert Peel’s 9 Pillars of Policing. Each of his nine written statements have been simplified down to one word:
- Prevention
- Approval
- Cooperation
- Proportionate
- Impartiality
- Restorative
- Relationships
- Humility
- Integrity
These words are inscribed on the inside surface of the nine walls.
The names of members of the force who have died whilst in service form a focus at the new site, as does a plaque recognising the generosity of the donors.
The central structure has been designed by Durham sculptor Graeme Hopper.
Official opening
On 18 January 2017, a ceremony was conducted to officially open the memorial garden.
The Bishop of Lincoln the Rt Revd Christopher Lowson blessed the garden and addressed an audience of relatives and friends of those who died in service.
Lord Lieutenant for Lincolnshire Tony Dennis cut the ribbon with former Chief Constable Neil Rhodes to officially open the garden.
Student Officers lining the pathway
HQ Memorial Garden
HQ Memorial Garden plaque
Val and Burt Hills