Restoration of Soldiers Corner, Arnos Vale Cemetery

The hillside on which the graves of soldiers that served in World War I, known as Soldiers Corner, was rededicated following an extensive restoration project at the Arnos Vale Cemetery.  Soldiers from Bristol, South Africa, Canada and Australia are buried here and representatives from their military services took part in the poignant service organised by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission.  The service was opened by Nigel Dyke, Chairman of the Arnos Vale Cemetery Trust.  The Lord-Lieutenant Mrs Peaches Golding OBE read a poem written just days before the author fell during the battles of the Somme.  Readings by officers representing the national military forces attending today's service preceded the laying of wreaths.  Among those laying wreaths were Peaches Golding, Deputy Mayors Cllr Asher Craig and Cllr Craig Cheney, Mrs Joyce Smith MBE (who was elevated for her role in the restoration work on Soldiers Corner) and the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, among others.  Members of the Walker Family and Napier Family joined the Royal Marines and 1st Rifles in laying flowers on graves of special significance to each of them.  The National Anthems of South Africa, Canada, Australia and the United Kingdom were song at the end of the service.  The photograph was taken by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission.