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Bench for Adrian Sheldon in Kingsway Cemetery

New bench in memory of Ashfield soldier Adrian Sheldon

A bench overlooking the final resting place of an Ashfield soldier has been donated in his memory.

Ashfield District Council has installed the bench in memory of Rifleman Adrian Sheldon at Kingsway Cemetery. The soldier was killed in Afghanistan in 2009.

The bench was donated by the Lindum Group as part of its social value following the building of 16 new houses on Adrian Sheldon View, in Kirkby.

Rifleman Sheldon’s parents Diane and Mark and his sister Amy were joined by Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) Baz Melia MBE and Major (Retired) Tommy Meggison, of The Rifles Regiment, and representatives of Lindum for the unveiling of the bench.

Mr Sheldon said:

“We are grateful and honoured to Lindum for putting something back into the community with this memorial bench. It will not only benefit us as a family to keep Adrian’s memory alive but also his friends as a place they can sit and remember him.”

Mrs Sheldon added:

"I’m so grateful this bench is on the cemetery opposite his grave. Adrian has got a lot of family and friends around here and this is the perfect place for them to sit and remember him.
“I’m happy that it’s secure and won’t be vandalised. This is an amazing contribution and we are grateful for the support. It keeps his memory alive.”

Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) Baz Melia MBE said:

“I think this is the best example of recognising servicemen who have fought in battle and this is leading the way for the rest of the country.”

The heavy-duty bench offers durability, is weather resistant and low maintenance. It offers those visiting loved ones at the cemetery the perfect place to have a seat and take a moment.

Cllr Andy Meakin, Ashfield District Council’s Executive Lead for Social Housing and Assets, said:

“This bench is the perfect place for the Sheldon family and other families visiting loved ones to have a quiet minute to themselves while being close to someone sadly no longer with us.
“I would like to thank Lindum for providing this bench at Kingsway Cemetery. It has been a fantastic journey seeing the houses on Adrian Sheldon View built up from a derelict piece of land to a place Ashfield people are now calling home.
“This new bench is now the final piece for this project. It has been great working with the Sheldon family and I would like to thank them for all of their support and time.”

Lindum Group Co-Chair Edward Chambers said:

“We are pleased to support the installation of this memorial bench in honour of Adrian Sheldon. As we build new homes on Central Avenue in Ashfield - a development that will be named Adrian Sheldon View - it is especially meaningful to contribute to a lasting tribute at nearby Kingsway Cemetery, Adrian’s final resting place.
"It is important to us to give back to the communities in which we work and we hope this bench provides a place for family, friends and visitors to pay their respects and ensures Adrian’s memory continues to live on."

Posted on 22 April 2026