Leicester City’s Garden of Remembrance is presently unique in British football. Although some clubs allow ashes to be scattered behind a goalmouth, and Bolton Wanderers have established a Memorial Wall for deceased players and supporters, the Foxes are the first club in the country to provide such a wide range of services for those who have lost a loved one.
Designed to be an integral part of the new Stadium site, the garden was originally the brainchild of Alan Birchenall, with significant input from the Supporters Club and the previous Club Chaplain. The garden has subsequently proved to be an extremely popular place to mark the loss of a loved one. Indeed it has proved so popular that it is now being extended.
Club Chaplain Bruce Nadin said, “Increasingly people want to express their legitimate sense of loss and grief through the club in some way. The club plays a huge part in people’s lives. As fans we invest considerable sums of money, time and energy in supporting our club, and out of that comes a shared story that is remembered and celebrated in the garden. I have no doubts that it brings considerable comfort and strength to people at a painful time in their lives.”
Anyone wishing to arrange the scattering of ashes in the garden can do so by contacting Pat Griffin at the Stadium. A nominal fee to cover the costs of maintaining the garden is charged. In addition, a memorial plaque can be purchased at cost price and the Club Chaplain is willing to conduct a short service (at no charge!) if requested.
(For those few who don't already know, the garden is opposite the staff entrance on the corner of the stadium where the West Stand (containing the corporate areas) meets the South Stand (the Kop). The staff entrance being after turnstiles 7-12 but before the study centre).