The Chesterfield FC Memorial Garden has been built by the Chesterfield Supporters Club. The Supporters Club, Chesterfield FC and The Community Trust are proud to have this facility where family and friends can remember their loved ones.
It is a living memorial which will be changed and added to as required; it is unlikely it will ever be finished. The day-to-day maintenance and control of funds is by the Chesterfield FC Community Trust and a sub-committee of that Trust appointed jointly by the Supporters Club and the Trust.
Funds raised will be used to ensure the Garden is well maintained and for any additional developments. Those funds may also be used for education projects inspired by the themes of the Garden or to improve the surrounds and facilities in The Hub adjacent to the garden.
Flowers can be left in the Garden in the holders provided. Unless agreed by the Trust these will be removed after seven days or when displays become unsightly. It is not intended that scarves, shirts, cards and other tangible items are left as security cannot be guaranteed and the Garden is not suited to such displays. The Trust will work with families to ensure reasonable requests for commemoration are accommodated. Except for the official wall plaques no permanent memorials will be placed in the Garden without the permission of the Trust.
Information about the Garden and forms for wall plaques and donations are available from the reception at The Hub opposite the Garden.
The Garden is a public space meant to commemorate those associated with Chesterfield FC who are no longer with us. The Garden also remembers the Spireites former home at Saltergate and is a focus for the Club’s history. While it is open to all, the trust will work with families to enhance their privacy in the Garden at what can be a difficult and emotional time.
The Memorial to the Fallen is a registered War Memorial. This will be a focus for specific acts of remembrance and to recognise those from the Town and area who gave their lives in times of conflict.
Placing the Ashes in the Memorial Garden
The Chesterfield FC Community Trust and the Memorial Garden Trustees are committed to offering a free service to those associated with the football club and their families. There is no charge for the strewing of ashes in the Garden. Trust staff or volunteers will prepare the Garden and liaise with families. Although this is a free service, families are encouraged to buy a plaque to remember their loved ones or to make a donation to help with the upkeep of the Garden and the work of the Trust.
Ashes are placed into an individual hole near the focal dais in the Garden or at another practical point. The ashes are strewn into the hole from an urn or scattering tube. No spot will be reserved and over several years all parts of the strewing area may be reused. The Trust will retain a Book of Remembrance detailing all whose ashes have been placed in the Garden. The only permanent memorials will be the plaques placed on the walls.
The Trust will ensure that the Garden is clear and assessable for any ceremony with no ceremonies being arranged at the same time. However the Garden is a public space so others may be present.
The nature of any ceremony or service is at the discretion of the family. The football club Chaplin may be available if required or the Trust can work with families to find an appropriate religious minister or humanist celebrant if needed. Any fees from external professionals will usually be met by the family.
Should any refreshments be required after a ceremony or a dedicated private space be needed then the Trust will work with the family to accommodate this. Larger functions can be arranged in The Hub or the lounges of the football club.
Requests and Enquiries
All requests and enquiries can be made to the Community Trust on 01246 925115 or via email.
To watch the official opening ceremony visit the CFC Official YouTube page.