Another memorable event occurred in Dursley this month with a day of celebration to commemorate the part that Captain George Augustus Graham played in saving the Irish Wolfhound breed while he lived in the town between 1865 and 1909. He was instrumental in this field of work and is revered across the world by wolfhound owners to this day. He was also a key figure in local life, being a magistrate as well as Chairman of the Parish Council and the Highway Board. He lived at Rednock House, on the site of the new school and it was him who actually gave it the Rednock name. During the last three years, following the creation of a fund by Andrew Barton and Dr Nicholas Wilkes, a wolfhound owner from Northumberland, donations have been raised to enable the forgotten grave to be restored in his memory. These funds also enabled two plaques to be created for display at Rednock School to mark its connection with Capt. Graham.

On the day of commemoration, October 23rd 2009, exactly 100 years since Captain Graham's burial, approximately 100 people along with 10 wolfhounds, came from as far afield as Ireland, Scotland and Norway to take part in the event. The day started with a service in St. Mark's Church after which the newly restored grave was rededicated and wreaths laid. Accompanied by a police escort, the party then processed to St. James' Church to view memorials to the Graham family and to take part in a photo opportunity on the grass outside. Following lunch at the Community Centre, everyone went into the hall of the brand new Rednock School for a unique assembly. Accompanied by a wolfhound on stage, Rory Webster (Graham's great grandson), Nicholas Wilkes and Andrew Barton told the audience of the significance of the site of their school, of Captain Graham's work wth the wolfhound breed and of the history of the Graham family. The proceedings culminated with the unveiling of the two plaques, one by Rory Webster and the other by Jane Ball, Mayor of Dursley. It was truly a memorable day and its accomplishments should ensure Captain Graham's memory lives on for many years hence.

Elsewhere in town, the foundations for the new Sainsbury's supermarket were completed and erection of the framework began so visible progress should now be rapid. At Rednock School, the car park outside the old reception, now demolished, is nearing completion as landscaping of the whole site proceeds at a fast pace.