Press Release: Veterans join tree planting at Legacy Falcon

A tree is to be planted in the garden of a leading Stratford hotel as a poignant reminder of those held captive by the Japanese during WW2. 

The Java Far East Prisoners of War Club 1942 is returning to the Legacy Falcon Hotel in Chapel Street for the 23rd occasion for its annual meeting and to attend a Remembrance Service in the town. 

The club’s veterans will be among those attending the tree unveiling in the walled garden of the hotel ahead of its annual dinner on Saturday, August 13. 

Stratford Councillor Chris Wall, chairman of the Stratford branch of the Royal British Legion Peter Summerton and former Stratford Mayor Cllr Jenny Fradgley will be joining the club’s members. 

Lesley Clark, Chairman of The Java FEPOW Club 1942, said the idea was to create a lasting reminder of the veterans who had served their country so proudly. 

“The Falcon hotel has become our adopted home for our annual meetings and we always enjoy returning to meet up with our local friends as well as club members,” she said. 

“Before our annual dinner we will be planting a tree in the garden as a permanent keepsake to remember our brave veterans. 

“Our club has over 270 members including around 160 veterans and widows, but due to our members’ advancing years, only a few are able to make the journey to Stratford-upon-Avon from around the country. 

“There will be around 70 of us this year which includes 30 veterans and their wives or widows, as well as our local veteran member Harold Pleasance, attending our dinner along with local dignitaries so we will have around 80 people in all. 

“The tree will be a focal point to remember the huge sacrifice that a generation made on our behalf and we are honoured that the hotel sees fit to house this memorial.” 

Jason Mayglothling, general manager of the Legacy Falcon Hotel, said the club had grown over the years since 16 Far East Prisoners of War got together to form the club in the 1980s. 

“Members are travelling from all over the UK including Wales, Newcastle and Hampshire to attend the weekend,” he said. 

“We thought the tree planting would be a way of showing our permanent gratitude to the veterans and I am sure it will be a moving ceremony.” 

The Java FEPOW Club 1942 will also be attending a Remembrance Service organised by the Royal British Legion in the Memorial Gardens at 11.30am on Sunday, August 14. All welcome. 

For more information about The Java FEPOW Club 1942 please log on to www.thejavafepowclub42.org or contact Lesley on 01277 362313. 


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