Reinstating a Friars Mill Tradition

At 11am on November 11th, people fell silent across the city of Leicester and beyond, to remember those that made the ultimate sacrifice for democracy.

Friars Mill was no different, and staff from every tenant business surrounded the war memorial on site, to pay their respects. The Donisthorpe Company, former owners of Friars Mill, commissioned the first of two memorials on site in 1921. This memorial names Donisthorpe staff who were lost during the First World War. A smaller plaque beneath commemorates the single staff member who didn’t return from the Second World War.

Every year in peace time, between 1921 and 2004, the entire Donisthorpe Company downed tools and gathered memorial-side, at 11am on November 11th.

Prior to laying a wreath, Centre Manager Tom Munro explained; ‘Respecting the history of Friars Mill and the Donisthorpe Company has been important since my first day on site, in October 2015. With the care that has gone into renovation of buildings and, in particular the war memorials, it was essential to reinstate this tradition.

‘In addition, taking two minutes from our busy schedules is the very least that we can do to acknowledge those that made the ultimate sacrifice.

The wreath, of holly inset with poppies, was made by Rose Price from East Midlands Chamber’s Membership Team and gifted to Friars Mill. Tom added; ‘It was extremely generous of Rose to donate her time and skill to Friars Mill. The wreath looks special and provides a lasting memory.