Dear All,
We are so pleased and grateful to report our GoFundMe for Captain Henderson's memorial has now passed the £2000 mark. After 100 years since the award, it is most encouraging and touching how so many people, from different backgrounds, have given to honour his bravery and sacrifice. We would like to thank you all, wherever you are, for your marvellous support, especially in these increasingly challenging times.
We originally set out to have the memorial in place in Gordon, Berwickshire, to mark the centenary; however, as you are probably already aware, Remembrance Day ceremonies may be severely curtailed this year due to restrictions of public assembly. We have not yet received official confirmation from Scottish Borders Council about what will, and will not, be permitted. We have therefore decided to postpone the official unveiling of the memorial to Saturday 24th July 2021 - exactly 101 years on. Many people have indicated their desire to attend such a ceremony so delaying it somewhat will enable more people from further afield to plan ahead. By next summer there will, hopefully, be more free movement, better weather and the chance to explore/savour the beautiful Border countryside around us, making it an even more memorable occasion.
This also gives our stonemason more time to perfect the memorial. The granite half boulder has already been reserved and the community will have additional time to decide on the best site and setting within the village.
In the meantime, please stay in touch, stay safe from Covid and please share our cause (
https://gf.me/u/yxg9jm) with all who may be interested in commemorating, not only our brave local hero but also a nationally revered, outstanding professional soldier.
Kindest regards,
On behalf of Gordon and Westruther Community Council
Bruce Brown
(Secretary)