L to R Gisela Stuart MP Edward Garnier MP Honorary Director Mrs Martin McLaren Director and Co-Chairman Katherine Astor Honorary Director Calum McDonald MP President of the US Charity and Vice Chairman and Director of the UK Charity Camilla G Hellman Director and Co-Chairman David Tredinnick MP (front)

Launch of the British Memorial Garden Trust UK Ltd.

The British Memorial Garden Trust UK Ltd was launched at the House of Commons on 19th April 2003. The objective of the British-based charity is to raise money in the United Kingdom for the British Garden in New York in support of British Memorial Garden Trust Inc; the US registered charity responsible for building the Garden.

The trust’s patrons include former Secretaries General of NATO Lord Carrington and Lord Robertson, the US Ambassador to Britain William Farish and the former British Ambassador to the US Sir Christopher Meyer.

Speaking as a director of the UK-based charity David Tredinnick MP said: “I would encourage every British citizen to support the British Memorial Garden as a wonderful international celebration. It will make a uniquely British contribution to the rebuilding of Lower Manhattan with a garden unlike any other in the city, and form a very special place of recreation and reflection.

“In launching this UK appeal, I would compliment the excellent work of the New York-based British Memorial Garden Trust Inc which was launched a year ago and has secured support across all New York City agencies. Not only is it a tireless fundraiser – which should prompt us to dig deep – it has managed to secure all approvals in unprecedented time and construction will start later in autumn.”

Just a few blocks from Ground Zero, the British Memorial Garden will be built to a concept by Isabel and Julian Bannerman who created HRH The Prince of Wales’ garden at Highgrove. It will incorporate elements of topiary, classic stone benches and natural materials from many parts of the UK plus a specially commissioned sculpture by the 1991 Turner prize winner, Anish Kapoor.

The garden has attracted the support of many leading New Yorkers, members of the British Royal family, MPs, diplomats and thought leaders on both sides of the Atlantic. For information on opportunities to become a sponsor of the garden, or to make donations either visit the web site, www.britishmemorialgarden.org.uk or telephone 01732 810543 .

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