On Sunday 14 November, the Farnham community turned out in force to commemorate the British and Commonwealth servicemen and women who died in the two world wars and later conflicts, at Farnham’s annual remembrance service and parade.
A civic party led by the Mayor of Farnham and including representatives from the Royal British Legion, uniformed personnel and the cadet force paraded from Castle Street to Gostrey Meadow.
The service began with the rededication of the War Memorial by the Rt Rev’d Dr Christopher Herbert. The memorial was funded by public subscription and has stood proud in Gostrey Meadow for 100 years where it serves as the focal point for Farnham’s annual act of remembrance.
The rededication was followed by the blessing of a commemorative banner marking the centenary of the Royal British Legion and the Farnham branch. Brigadier Paul Evans OBE, DL, President of the Surrey County Royal British Legion gave a short speech about how the British Legion was formed and how it continues to carry out the outstanding work of its founders.
To keep people safe, this year’s Remembrance Sunday Service, which is usually held at St Andrew’s Church, was conducted by the Rev’d David Uffindell in the open air. It included readings, prayers, hymns and musical accompaniment by Alder Valley Brass.
At three minutes to eleven, Brigadier Paul Evans OBE DL and John Ibrahim recited the Remembering Epitaph and standards were lowered as bagpiper Hamish Roberston played a lament followed by The Last Post by bugler Steve Burgess.
The two-minute silence at 11am concluded with the playing of The Reveille and the reading of The Kohima Epitaph by Alex Herd from the Royal British Legion. This cued the laying of wreaths by the Deputy Lord Lieutenant, Royal British Legion, the Mayor, armed personnel and veterans. Members of the public were invited to lay tributes after the service.
The service drew to a close with hymns and the singing of the National Anthem.
Anybody who was unable to attend the service can see a live streaming of it on Farnham Town Council’s website at www.farnham.gov.uk.
