Over 100 years since the world’s first two-minute silence took place in Farnham, the streets once again fell silent as the clock struck 11am on Remembrance Sunday (12 November).
A civic party led by the Mayor of Farnham, representatives from the armed forces and members of the public gathered at the War Memorial in Gostrey Meadow for a short service of remembrance.
They were welcomed by the Revered David Uffindell from St. Andrew’s Church. Councillor Mike Hodge, the Mayor of Farnham read The Soldier by Rupert Brooke and Roger Brown Chairman of the Farnham Royal British Legion read ‘What is Remembrance Sunday’, explaining how poppies came to be the symbol of commemoration.
Armistice Day – the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918 – was marked by the playing of the Last Post by Steve Burgess bugler from Alder Valley Brass Band. The commemoration ended with a rendition of Reveille and a reading of The Kohima Epitaph by Percy Bartlett, Royal British Legion Vice President.
Wreaths were laid by Bill Biddell the Vice Lord Lieutenant of Surrey, the Mayor of Farnham, representatives from the army, air force and navy, veterans, emergency and public services, visiting Mayors, the University of the Creative Arts, representatives from voluntary and community organisations and members of the public. In total over 70 wreaths were laid at the main memorial.
The civic party then gathered outside the Council Offices to receive a march past by representatives of the Farnham-based 4th battalion of the Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment, members of the armed forces, cadets, uniformed services and local scout and guide groups.
The salute was taken by the Vice Lord Lieutenant of Surrey who was accompanied by the Chairman of the Farnham Royal British Legion and the Mayor of Farnham.
Councillor Mike Hodge, Mayor of Farnham said: “It was very touching to take part in the Remembrance Sunday parade. Over 1,000 people lined South Street and Victoria Road to watch the parade and to remember and honour those who have sacrificed themselves to secure and protect our freedom.”
The formal Remembrance Sunday parade was organised by Farnham Town Council in conjunction with the Farnham branch of the Royal British Legion and concluded with a service at St. Andrew’s Church.
Other Remembrance services where a wreath was laid by local councillors on behalf of the town were held at Badshot Lea, Hale, Rowledge, St. Thomas on the Bourne, St. Peter’s at Wrecclesham and Weybourne.
