A HISTORIC monument to the pets owned by Salt King John Corbett and his family has taken pride of place at the edge of the Lido Park so Droitwich’s residents and visitors can see it.
The official unveiling was done by Wychavon District Council chairman Coun Val Wood who thanked the family for donating the memorial.
In her speech before the unveiling, said: “We all love our pets but there are few people who go to these lengths for them – although many of us would if we had the space in our garden.”
The marble obelisk was in a secluded spot outside Mill Cottage in the grounds of the Chateau Impney Hotel which was owned by John Corbett.
It served as a memorial to several animals over the years, including dogs and horses, dating back to 1877.
When John passed away in 1901, his brother Thomas Corbett continued to engrave the names of pets who passed away up to 1906 and the memorial had remained there ever since.
Following the death of Christine Jackson last summer, the latest Corbett family member to live in the cottage, the property has been put up for sale.
And, rather than leave the obelisk there, her son Ashley Jackson and daughter Melanie Grocott wanted to donate it to the people Droitwich so residents of the town could see it.
Its new place, along with a plaque detailing the stone’s history, is fitting as John Corbett used to also own the Lido Park.
Ashley, Melanie and Ellie – Ashley’s daughter and Christine’s grandaughter – were joined by the chairman of Wychavon District Council, Droitwich Mayor Graham Beale, Droitwich Spa History Society members and other dignatries for the unveiling.
Melanie said: “I think it’s wonderful – I have grown up with it all my life at Mill Cottage.
“It’s a suitable momento to mum who was involved with so many clubs and societies in the town for 55 years.
“It’s a great way for us to give a lasting memory back to Droitwich.”
Afterwards, speaking to The Standard, Coun Wood added: “Thanks must also go to Lynn Stevens from Wychavon for the work she has done.
“This is a very fitting tribite to John Corbett’s family and their pets.
“So many people will now be able to see this – from those living here already to those moving in the area.”
Droitwich Mayor Graham Beale said: “What I found interesting was that exactly the same stone was used for this as the Corbett family members’ tombs.
“It’s great all these animals will be remembered.”
And Chris Bowers, who is the treasurer of the Droitwich Spa History Society and a member of Historic Droitwich and the Droitwich Spa Civic Society, said: “It’s new position is fantastic.
“So many people in Droitwich will be able to see it, which is fitting as there are so many links between the family and the town and it’s great that they want to continue them.”
She added there was also the potential for the monument in its new position to become part of the Droitwich Spa town trail.
“If that happened, it would also help bring visitors to Droitwich,” she said.
Local company MG Signs were thanked for putting the plaque together and PD Hughes who collected the stone from the grounds of the Chateau.
