Air Cabin Crew Fund - Clandon Park, The Dutch Garden

The next Memorial Day will be on

Monday June 25th 2012

Arrive from 1400 & in the Garden @ 1500

The 2010 Memorial Day was held at Clandon Park near Guildford on Monday 5th July.

Please see our NEWS PAGE for the story and pictures

Do come along to remember our family, friends and colleagues who have sadly passed away.

CLICK HERE FOR A MAP

When Aubrey Parnell fell into a hole in a thicket in 1971 he did not envisage what that small accident would materialize into. Clandon Park had long been the home of the Earl of Onslow and it was in 1970 that Aubrey and his wife Phyllis came to Clandon as Administrators to ensure the smooth running of this Palladian Mansion.

The faithful restoration of the house and the preparation for showing of the superb Gubbay collection of ceramics, furniture and needlework had all been done, but there was still a lot still to clear up in the grounds. Hence the exploration of the thicket close to the ancient West Clandon Parish Church.

The Dutch Garden was built by Frances Countess of Onslow in the late 19th Century and was copied from the Dutch Garden at Hampton Court, so called after those gardens left at home by William of Orange. It was cared for until the death of the fifth Earl in 1945. Then until 1971 the garden reverted to nature, the paving stones removed, the topiaries lost their shape and elm suckers sprouted 20 to 30 feet high.

In 1971 the National Trust found an unexpectedly valuable painting belonging to Lord Onslow and the proceeds were used to restore the Dutch Garden. Duke of Edinburgh Award boys cleared the garden and in 1973 the British Airways Air Cabin Crew Fund founded in 1971 to support their colleagues gave plants and funds in memory of crew members that had passed away.

In 1973 Memorial Day was started because of the 'Plant a tree in 73' campaign. It was agreed that a tree should be planted as a living memory to deceased colleagues. After discussion a suitable venue was sought and following negotiations with the National Trust Clandon Park was chosen. Recently the planting of a tree has changed to an annual donation from the Air Cabin Crew Fund to the National Trust to help maintain the Memorial Garden.

Every year snce 1973 a Memorial Reading has been held in the garden. It is attended by the family, friends and colleagues of crew members who have died in service. The day starts with coffee and tea in the Main House followed by short prayers and reading of the deceased names in the garden. A minute's silence to recall memories and then everyone adjourns to the Main House for afternoon tea.

Garden Placque

Relatives attend from every part of British Airways and its predecessors. At the top of the garden is a sundial in memory of Dougie East whose vision founded the Fund in 1971. By the wrought iron gate at the entrance to the enclosed garden and given by the Air Cabin Crew Fund is an engraved plaque telling visitors who the garden is in memory of. Clandon Park is open from April to October, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays. 11.30 - 4.30 pm and the Memorial Book can be viewed upon asking the Administrator.

CLICK HERE FOR A MAP

Read by Rev John Ackland at Clandon Park Memorial Service

MISS ME

Miss me, but let me go
Now that I have come to the end of the day
And the sun has set for me.
I want no rites in a gloom filled room
Why weep for a soul set free?

So, miss me a little but not too much
And not with your head bowed low.
Remember all the times we shared,
And miss me, but let me go.

For this is a journey we each must make,
And each must make alone.
It is all part of a master plan
It's a step on the road to home.

So, when you feel fearful, tearful, alone, turn to the loved ones we know,
And express your sorrow in compassionate deeds
And miss me,
but let me go.

Anon