The war memorial at Gostrey Meadow, Farnham has served as the focal point for this year’s schools’ service of remembrance.
On Friday 10 November, children representing 18 local schools took part in the service, which included poems, readings, a two-minute silence and the laying of wreaths.
The ceremony began with a small contingent of the British Legion and representatives of the 4th battalion of the Princess of Wales’ Royal Regiment, and the sea cadets marching to the War Memorial at Gostrey Meadow.
The Mayor of Farnham, Councillor Mike Hodge welcomed the school children who were gathered to pay their respects. Addressing the pupils, he said: “It is important for us to pass on the legacy of remembrance to our young people and for them to understand what it means for us as a nation.
“I am particularly pleased that pupils from all the schools that form the Farnham Schools’ Confederation and many others were able to join us and take part in the act of remembrance.”
‘What is remembrance’ was read on behalf of the Royal British Legion by Debbie Hunter. The Deputy Lieutenant of Surrey, Commander Susan Lochner JP DL RN and older pupils from Farnham Heath End School and Weydon read ‘They Shall Not Grow Old’.
The Last Post was played by Sea Cadet Jonathan Osborne and marked the start of the two-minute silence.
Julie Aldridge, Coordinator of the Farnham Schools’ Confederation said: “We first held a schools’ remembrance service in 2014. Originally 12 schools were involved but this has now grown to 18.
“It was marvellous to see the school community united in this collective act of remembrance. We were touched to hear poems written for the occasion by pupils from William Cobbett School and South Farnham School. Every child was involved in the ceremony whether that be through the laying of a wreath, the planting of a cross or the reading of a poem. They all did very well and were proud to represent their school.”
After the ceremony, the students were invited back to the Town Hall for refreshments with the Mayor of Farnham.
