Remembrance Garden opened by Mike and Sheila Stark

Mike and Sheila Stark were invited on Saturday (November 4) to do the honours at Old Town Garden after dedicating 20 years of coordinating the sale of poppies in the town.

Dozens turned up to the event including the couple’s grandson Major Frazer Stark, of the Royal Regiment of Scotland, Tweeddale councillors, representatives from Poppy Scotland, the British Legion, the Men’s Shed, Peeblesshire Youth Trust and the Girl Guides, who all assisted in the creation of the garden.

Major Frazer Stark with grandfather Mike

Mike said: “The garden looks fantastic and has taken a lot of work. John (Falla) was the man behind it and he’s had a lot of help from others.”

He then formally declared the garden open and Sheila added: “And it’s a great privilege to do so, particularly as we aren’t Peeblians”

John Falla, of Floral Peebles, said: “Over the years I have looked at lots of amazing displays of poppies. Last year I decided that Peebles could have its own tribute/remembrance garden.

Sheila Stark with Major Frazer Stark

“The garden is to remember and say thank you to everyone who defended our country and in more recent times served in our armed forces – career which often brings stress, mental health problems and financial difficulties. The tribute garden, I hope, says thank you to all of them.

“May I take the opportunity to say thank you to the Peeblesshire Youth Trust, the 3rd Peebles Guides and the Peebles Men’s Shed for the contributions they made to the garden. A true community project.

“Finally a big thank you to the members of Floral Peebles who were free yesterday to help out things in place.”