Farnham’s remembrance events will begin this year with a schools’ remembrance service on Friday 8 November followed by the community-wide act of remembrance on Sunday 10 November.
On Remembrance Sunday, the Mayor of Farnham and Vice Lord Lieutenant will be joined by representatives of the armed forces, uniformed services, scout groups and local dignitaries in a parade from Castle Street to the war memorial. There will be a short service at 10.45am followed by two minutes of silence at 11am and then a march past. The parade will continue past the Town Hall on South Street, ending at St Andrew’s Church for a remembrance service led by the Revd David Uffindell.
The Mayor of Farnham, Councillor Pat Evans, who will jointly host the event on 10 November, says: “I hope as many local people as possible will line the route of the parade. I feel privileged to be able to lead the town in honouring both those who have served and those who continue to defend our freedoms and do their duties at home and around the world, both in times of peace and in conflict.”
See details of road closures and time-limited access to selected roads and car parks on 10 November.
Schools across Farnham have chosen once again to hold an act of remembrance for schoolchildren on the Friday before Remembrance Sunday. As well as 18 schools from the Farnham Schools’ Confederation, the Mayor of Farnham, Councillor Pat Evans will welcome Brigadier Roger Hood QVRM TD DL, the Police and Crime Commissioner David Munro and the Revd John Morris from St Thomas on the Bourne. TS Swiftsure Farnham Sea Cadets, 229 squadron will also be present.
The Mayor explains: “As the world wars recede from living memory, it’s important that our young people continue to understand why a national act of remembrance is still important and relevant. While the role of our armed forces has changed, the sacrifices they make are the same. Our young people are very aware of the challenges posed by terrorism at home and instability around the world and very much appreciate the opportunity to take part in a remembrance service through their schools.”
The service will begin at 10.45am and include poems, readings and a two-minute silence. Representatives from each school will lay a wreath on the memorial and every child will be invited to place a wooden cross in memory of those who have given their lives in service.
The children and Mayor will be joined by representatives from the Princess of Wales’ Royal Regiment and the Royal British Legion. Members of the public are also welcome to attend.
