The group from Wick Thistle at the start of their Friday evening work session in the Bank Row memorial garden. Picture: Alan Hendry
Wick’s World War II memorial garden has again benefited from the community spirit of amateur football team Wick Thistle.
Volunteers from the club have been carrying out a range of tasks at the Bank Row site in recent weeks, and on Friday evening some of the players and committee members spent an hour or so doing further work.
“Grass was cut, weeds were cleared and the raised beds were freshened up,” Thistle reported in a social media post. “Thanks to everyone’s teamwork and enthusiasm, the gardens are already taking shape and will soon be in full bloom.
“Special care has been taken to plant poppies as a mark of remembrance – a small gesture to honour those commemorated at the memorial garden and to show our club’s respect and gratitude.
“A huge thank-you goes out to everyone who has given up their time so far – especially the younger lads who have shown real pride in helping keep the memorial garden tidy for local families and visitors alike.
“At Wick Thistle, we believe in being more than just a football club. Community is at the heart of everything we do, and this project is just one way we can give something back to those who support us throughout the season.”
In November last year, an overgrown area at the front of the memorial garden was tidied up by Thistle stalwarts with assistance from local firm GMR Henderson.
In June 2024, players, committee members and others put in more than 80 bedding plants as well as carrying out weeding and other jobs.
In October 2023 they braved hail, sleet and rain to help plant hundreds of spring bulbs.
The memorial garden was created on the site where eight children and seven adults lost their lives in an air raid in July 1940. It commemorates the victims of that attack as well as the three people who died in October the same year in a raid on Hill Avenue.
The garden was officially opened in 2010.
Wick Thistle play in Division Two of Caithness Amateur Football Association’s summer league and are currently top of the table as they seek promotion back to the top flight.
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