Memorial garden opens in memory of Black Country local hero

A memorial garden has been created to honour a community champion who died earlier this year.

SANDWELL COPYRIGHT EXPRESS&STAR TIM THURSFIELD-16/10/20.Holyhead Primary Academy, in Wednesbury, has built a memorial garden in honour of former governor Steve Dale, who was highly influential in Wednesbury. Was also part of the town’s Rotary club, rugby club and ran a successful business. Pictured with the memorial bench are Steve Dale’s widow Lesley and son Matt with the new memorial bench at Holyhead Primary Academy

Steve Dale, who was part of Wednesbury’s Rotary Club and the town’s rugby club, passed away from stomach cancer aged 74.

But now his legacy will continue after Holyhead Primary Academy created the space which was opened by Mr Dale’s widow and son.

He was a member of the family forum at the Holyhead Road school and organised Purple 4 Polio competition, which proved popular and raised vital funds.

Councillor Peter Hughes, a close friend, said: “Steve Dale was very much a community person and I knew him through Wednesbury Rugby Club.

“When they told me they were doing this garden I was more than happy to attend – it’s just a fantastic memorial to him.

“I think it epitomises what Steve meant to the school and the community, I really do, and I think it’s really beautiful.

Steve's widow Lesley on the bench named after her husband at Holyhead Primary Academy.

“I’m proud it’s been done at the school for him.”

Chief executive of the academy’s trust Sir Mark Grundy, Rotary Club president John Stockall, school principal Matt Wynne, Mr Dale’s widow Lesley and son Matt, all marked the opening of the garden on Friday.

A statement from the school said: “We are sad to announce that Steve Dale, one of our family forum members, has passed away and so we wanted to commemorate this to him in recognition of his support.

The garden has been created at Holyhead Primary Academy in Wednesbury.

“He did many things for the school, such as running the Purple 4 Polio competition each year and donating money for clubs.

“We were really proud to have some of Steve’s family, friends, Rotary club members and Sir Mark Grundy be a part of the opening.

CEO of the trust Sir Mark Grundy, Rotary Club president John Stockall, Steve's widow Lesley and school principal Matt Wynne officially open the garden.

“Children will be able to use it and we can’t wait to see the children enjoying the space and using it to learn in different ways.”

Work on the garden was carried out by Wednesbury Garden Services and DKK Maintenance.