Organised by Canterbury Branch on behalf of the Association, this service, which is held annually, takes place in the Kent County War Memorial Garden. This garden, which is located within the precincts of Canterbury Cathedral, was formerly the bowling green used by the Canons. The late Lord Harris, Chairman of the Memorial Committee and first President of the Association of Men of Kent and Kentish Men, approached the Canons following the end of the First World War to ask if the garden could be made available for the war memorial and they, under the leadership of Dean Henry Wace, readily agreed. For this noble contribution our County will be forever grateful.

The Garth Service is held in conjunction with The Old Stagers and the Band of Brothers during Canterbury Cricket Week, it continues a tradition that started in 1920. During the service, wreaths are laid at both the memorial to Lord Harris, which is set in the wall of the Precinct, and the war memorial which is dedicated to those from Kent who fell in the two Great Wars and in other conflicts

The Cross of Sacrifice which was brought from Ypres and is located in the centre of the garden, consists of the Cross of Lorraine upon which has been carved the Crusader’s Sword, the Ship of the Sea Power and a wreath of Roses and Lilies.  Around the monolith on which the Cross stands are inscribed the words 'In memory of the fallen sons and daughters of Kent.'

Memorial to 4th Lord Harris

 

This event took place on an extremely hot and sunny Monday 11 July, in the grounds of Canterbury Cathedral.

Wreaths were laid beneath the Lord Harris Memorial Wall at the entrance to the Garden of Remembrance. The service was led by the Precentor of the Cathedral, the Reverend Max Kramer.

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The Memorial Wall Revd Max Kramer

The Lord Mayor of Canterbury attended, along with representatives from the Band of Brothers and the Old Stagers, as well as from the Association.

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Lord Mayor of Canterbury Annie Dekker (centre), flanked by her consort Ken Dekker and Lady Rose Kingsdown

Representatives of the Association

Following the singing of the National Anthem, the Last Post and Reveille were sounded by local musician, Martin Gove.

 

With the removal of government restrictions imposed in response to concerns about the coronavirus, it is to be hoped that there can be a resumption of Association and Branch activities. However, it is recognised that it is necessary for people to remain cautious and, consequently, it may be prudent to limit or cancel any scheduled event, possibly on short notice. All plans should, therefore, be considered as tentative and Members should check before travelling to any activity or event.