After weeks of work, Tadpole Garden Village's new 'Thankful Village Memorial' was officially unveiled. 

The memorial acts as a lovely tribute to both those that had paid the ultimate sacrifice in conflicts as well as a recognition of the public services workers, such as those in the NHS, who were on the front line of Covid-19.

It was constructed by Tadpole Garden Village In Bloom, a voluntary group within the local community that was founded three years ago by neighbours and friends Stu Olden and Pete Welsh, who had wanted to do something like this since then. 

The official opening took place on Saturday, August 13, with representatives from the Royal Air Force and British Army present as well as North Swindon MP Justin Tomlinson and members of the Royal British Legion. 

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To commemorate the occasion there was also a very special flyover from an RAF Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Hurricane. 

Newly opened Arkell's pub The Strawberry Theif hosted a reception for the opening as well. 

A TGV In Bloom spokesperson said: "We'd like to thank everyone who has made this happen, what a great day and great weather we had."

The opening also marked the end of a two-year effort from volunteers to get the area ready.

After initially securing planning permission, the group needed to fundraise £5,000. It received half from The Hill Group Limited through the Landfill Communities Fund and the rest from a GoFundMe page, PREIM which manages the estate and Cut and Clear which is the ground maintenance team. 

They also secured the services of Matthew Finnigan from Swindon Memorials to construct the memorial itself. 

The spokesperson added: "Matt has given up his own time to help see the project through. His advice, guidance and workmanship were a welcome find in what can be a very challenging project to deliver!"

Though not complete, a 'live' streamed Remembrance service was held at the memorial location last year. 

After that, a footpath was installed to ensure the memorial was fully accessible by all. This was done at cost by A.Wood Garden Landscapes.

Mr Tomlinson said: "A real privilege to join the brilliant TGV In Bloom team who celebrated in such spectacular style two years of planning, navigating challenging building issues, securing donations and sheer hard work. Well done everyone

"The Tadpole Garden Village In Bloom group and its team of volunteers are so impressive, a real credit to the local community."