A special evening was held recently to pay tribute to those Motherwell fans whose ashes are interred in the club’s Memorial Garden.
Organised by The Well Society, the event allowed families of those who have passed on to enjoy the refurbished garden and connect with each other.
“So much love has gone into restoring the garden, it seemed only right to show the families how much everyone cares,” said Sally Hall, Development Manager at The Well Society. “The garden is really a living tribute at the heart of Motherwell FC, serving as a beacon of remembrance and unity.”
It also gave new Club Chaplains Kenny McBride and Arlene Dale the opportunity to underline the importance of community and the role of the club in looking after its fans.
In his first official engagement Kenny talked about the faces we no longer see at games, the people we miss and how their memory lives on in Fir Park and beyond. Motherwell Women Chaplain Arlene then read a beautiful poem, Steelmen in the Sky, which resonated with those attending. The names of those whose ashes are interred in the garden were then read out.
Over an informal cuppa afterwards families said they valued the effort which had been put in by the club, the Society and local businesses and community groups. A grant from North Lanarkshire Council’s Recover NL Fund was pivotal to the project.
“Thank you for arranging the event and letting us all come together and see the new memorial garden. It was lovely to meet other families that have lost loved ones,” said Linda Langham, whose parents’ ashes are interred there.
“We weren’t sure what to expect, but it was a lovely tribute which I know was enjoyed by all those in attendance,” said fan Peter Elder.
Almost 50 people came along to the evening, with some making new connections and promising to look out for each at games during the season.
“This is what it was all about,” said Kenny, “letting people know that they are considered, and thought of.”