I WOULD like to take the opportunity to thank the Benarty Environmental Group for asking me to put together the service for the Memorial Garden.

Although I am not from the area, and I do come from a strong mining background myself, and I was welcomed into the group during the discussions with a warm heart felt purpose which is a great testimony to those who have transformed the area into the Beautiful Garden.

It is now where the community will be able to sit and enjoy for years to come.

The Benarty area gelled together with the mines and many of the residents will have many memories of the times which have sadly since passed.

That is why it is important to remember the many miners who lost their lives around the area as the garden will be an area of tranquillity and peace where the history of the area will always be at the forefront of the community which turned out in great numbers during some inclement weather to be part of the garden dedication.

It was an honour and a humbling experience for me to have been involved and I thank the community for allowing me to be part of this special day.

GRAHAM PRIMROSE,

Special and Precious memories.