Nayland Cemetery unveils memorial stone in honour of former Jane Walker Hospital residents

The campaign to ensure a ‘forgotten’ group are remembered has come to fruition, following the unveiling of a new dedicated memorial.

A commemorative ceremony took place at Nayland Cemetery to mark the installation of a memorial stone, in honour of residents of the former Jane Walker Hospital.

Crafted by Hunnaball Memorials, the stone is engraved with the names of those who lived at the institution – which cared for people with learning disabilities – and were subsequently interred at the cemetery.

Until now, their burials had been marked with small, inscribed iron crosses, many of which had steadily deteriorated over the years, while others had gone missing entirely.

This led to the launch of the My Iron Cross campaign last year, which sought donations for a new permanent memorial.

A song was also released by The Nayland Boyz to help raise the appeal’s profile.

The project successfully raised thousands of pounds to pay for the new stone, which was formally blessed by the Rev Stephane Javelle on April 18.

Campaigner John Milbank, who had worked at Jane Walker Hospital as a nurse, said: “This campaign proved to be very successful and enough money was raised to fund the creation of a beautiful memorial stone.

“There were many involved in this project, including Nayland with Wissington Parish Council, which gave its full support to the project.

“The project group is extremely grateful to all who donated to the appeal and all the organisations which contributed to the project and to the unveiling ceremony, ensuring a lasting memory of the former residents of Jane Walker Hospital.”

In addition to the new memorial stone the Essex Forge, in Boxted, created and donated a number of restored iron crosses.