Captain (Retd) Jimmy Aspinall was born in Ince and attended Rose Bridge High School before joining the Army in March 1980, he retired after 42+ years’ service in June 2022. In 2004 he assumed the appointment of Permanent Staff Administration Officer of the Army Reserve in Wigan. Annually, he would attend Remembrance services and parades in Wigan Town Centre. Jimmy noticed a gathering of people laying wreaths and sticking wooden crosses by a ceramic book that bore the inscription “We will remember them” on Smithy Green in Higher Ince. Billy Varty senior, kindly donated the ceramic book many years ago.
Jimmy immediately wondered why they weren't doing this at the official cenotaph. However, he soon learned that it was a long-standing tradition for Higher Ince residents. This secondary service was for many old and infirm people who couldn't show their respects at the cenotaph in Lower Ince cemetery. Jimmy thought that a memorial garden of remembrance, like those that had popped up in other parts of town, would provide the alternative space for people to show their respects.
Having been the main fundraiser for the replacement Boer War memorial in Mesnes Park, which was unveiled in 2013, he decided once again to raise sufficient funds for a memorial garden of remembrance that would see the area around the tree being spruced up with new block paving, wrought iron fencing repairs, a five foot tri-service stone monument and black steel “Tommy Silhouettes” facing inward.
His first port of call was to broach the subject with local Ince councillor and Leader of Wigan Council David Molyneux. Councillor Molyneux was born and lived in Ince, attended Rose Bridge High School, and was held in high esteem by the Ince community for the work he had done and achieved over his years of service to them. Councillor Molyneux was incredibly supportive of the concept and helped wherever he could to see it come to fruition.
Wigan Landscape Design Consultant, John Harris offered his services for free and drew up the plans.
David Lyon, Assistant Director - Environment and Housing Operations played a key role with his input and support along with other council workers.
Weldfast Services Ltd were contacted to help with making the “Tommy Silhouettes” out of thick gauge steel and repairing the wrought iron fencing which they also agreed to take the work on for free.
When the idea was approved, Jimmy immediately set about raising the necessary funds. The funds were needed for certain areas of the project. His goal was to complete the project in time for Remembrance Sunday 2024. He did this through social media awareness, auctions and raffles and personal donations. There are too many people to thank for their personal contributions, however notable auction items that have been donated include, Wigan rugby league legend Joe Lydon’s World Club Challenge medal he won in the game between Wigan and Manly in 1987. Martin Crompton, another rugby league player and coach legend, donated a 150th Golf Open Championship 18th Hole Flag. The championship took place at St Andrews in 2022. The flag was signed by the winner, Cameron Smith, and many of the other golfers that took part.
The garden of remembrance and monument now sit proudly on Smithy Green, the opening ceremony took plan on the 19th October 2024.