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Site made memorial for all band service personnel

Jo Burn
BBC News, Walmer
BBC The end section of wall remains from the original building that had stood here as a multi-purpose church and school and later as a concert hall. A fire destroyed the building in 2003. It has now become the central feature of the Band Service Memorial Garden. There are flowers and plants around the building.BBC
Eleven musicians died after an IRA bomb exploded at this spot in 1989

A garden in Kent has become the national memorial to band service personnel in time for the annual return of the Royal Marines.

The site, in Walmer, Deal, is where an IRA bomb exploded killing 11 musicians in 1989, and is frequently visited by family and friends.

The Royal Marines School of Music left the town in 1986 but pledged to return each year to give a free concert on the memorial bandstand and remember those who died.

This year, musicians will come from the Commando Training Centre and will pay tribute to VE and VJ day.

A man wearing a suit stood in front of a brick wall with a black sign with the words ROYAL MARINES BAND SERVICE MEMORIAL GARDEN in gold letters
Derek Lindars, chairman of the Deal Memorial Bandstand Trust, said the garden would give people a chance to remember those lost in service

Derek Lindars, chairman of the Deal Memorial Bandstand Trust, said: "Over 30 years on from the bombing, the garden is now a memorial for the Royal Marines Band service.

"Many people who come back for reunions can now remember those lost in service before 1989 and in the years afterwards."

A plaque on the outside wall of the garden features the insignia of the Royal Marines Band service, but also the old Deal Borough crest.

"It makes it clear to everyone exactly what this memorial garden is and who it is for, and we are very proud to be the national place of remembrance," said Mr Lindars.

The free concert will take place on Sunday at 15:00 BST.

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