HIGH Royds Memorial Garden in Menston welcomed many visitors over the Heritage Weekend who appreciated all the work put in by local volunteers to create a peaceful and inspiring “Oasis of Peace” in a busy environment

The service, conducted by the Rev Andrew Howorth at the end of the weekend was well received. People commented he "hit the spot" in his remarks on mental health and people's response to it.

Ron Sweeney said: "In particular Andrew put over very clearly how High Royds, before its closure, helped to form a "bridge" from the abuses of the old workhouse system which led to the asylums and now to us as Care in the Community has taken over. So whilst the Chapel and Garden reminds us of the past it also points to the future as our understanding of mental health issues increases.

"With Mike Nicholas on the keyboard members of the Ladies Please Choir led the singing especially with a moving rendition of the introit “A new commandment I give unto you” which set the theme for the service. David Lynch received a round of applause for a reading of his poem "2861" which relates to and speaks of behalf of the people who were buried there in paupers graves. It was very moving and gave us all pause for thought.

"All in all a moving, but not sad, occasion as it made us aware of how "An Oasis of Peace", which the Memorial Garden & Chapel has become, can help us all."