RESIDENTS and businesses in the Basingstoke and Deane area are being invited to help sow the seeds of a Peace Garden that will mark the centenary of the end of the First World War in 2018.

Following on from its commemorations of the centenary of the start of the war in 1914, Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council is working with Basingstoke Heritage Society and the Royal British Legion to create a Peace Garden in War Memorial Park.

The aim is that this will be completed in time for the next poignant historic milestone in four years.

To make sure that the planning involves local people, the council would like to work with representatives from all sections of the community in designing and creating the garden, to be situated between the London Road entrance to the park and the aviary.

The garden will celebrate peace, while also commemorating the sacrifices of forces personnel and civilians, and celebrating the role played by the borough in World War One and subsequent wars.

And the council is keen to hear residents’ suggestions on what sort of planting there should be and what other commemorative features – for example benches, other seating or pieces of ‘garden’ art – should be included to commemorate local people’s experience of the war.

Basingstoke and Deane Mayor Councillor Roger Gardiner said: “This is an inspirational initiative which I would like to see the whole community involved with from the very beginning.

“We are looking to work with local businesses, community groups and individual residents so that everyone can feel they have been able to contribute, either through sponsorship, volunteering or providing information and ideas.

“The opening of the Peace Garden in 2018 in War Memorial Park will be a very fitting way to mark the 100th anniversary of the end of the First World War and local people’s part in it.”

The Gazette has pledged its support to the Peace Garden project, and will be championing the cause as a media sponsor.

Editor Mark Jones said: “As one of the longest-established businesses in the Basingstoke area, The Gazette is pleased, and proud, to pledge its support for this milestone community project.

“The Peace Garden will be a fitting tribute to all who served in the First World War, and it will be a lasting legacy for the whole community.

“I hope local people, companies and organisations, embrace and support this initiative.”

People who would like to be involved in the project, or have information about how the First World War affected the local community, which might help in the development of the garden, should contact Margaret McGrath on 01256 845407 or email .

Businesses or groups interested in finding out more about providing sponsorship support for the ‘Peace Garden’ project should email WWI100@basingstoke.gov.uk or call 01256 844844.