A PARK in Basingstoke now has a peaceful area for people to take time out and relax as the Peace Garden was opened.

The space, in War Memorial Park, was opened by mayor of Basingstoke and Deane Cllr Seán Keating on the International Day of Peace on Friday, 21 September.

He was joined by Basingstoke MP Maria Miller and the Right Reverend Canon David Williams.

The garden, which is near to the aviary, features circular paved areas with seating, surrounded by trees, foliage and flowers. There is a central spherical feature, peace plaques designed by local children.

Maria Miller MP said: “It was wonderful to attend the opening of the peace Garden which commemorates the centenary of the first world war and acts as a valuable reminder of the importance of peace and reconciliation.”

In addition to the garden, also unveiled on the day was a bust of pioneering plastic surgeon Sir Harold Gillies, well known for tending to the physical and emotional needs of wounded servicemen at Park Prewett Hospital.

The bust, made by artist and sculptor Julia Beer and commissioned by the Rooksdown Club, was unveiled by Dr Andrew Bamji, the official Gillies archivist.

In attendance to see the unveiling of the sculpture was Tom Gillies, a great-grandson of Sir Harold, as well as other members of the Gillies family who travelled all the way from his native New Zealand.

Tom said: “It is pretty incredible to see him there and we are all very proud. While I never got to meet him, it is a strong resemblance, and I think he would approve of this great setting for him.”

Sculptor Julia said: “I’m very pleased with how it came out and this is the perfect setting for him.

“It has made my heart swell to meet some of his patients and I was very touched to hear that they like the bust.”

The garden was constructed through the borough council’s Local Infrastructure Fund, and £23,667 from developer contributions.