Farnham’s Remembrance Sunday parade and service (on 13 November) drew crowds of local people who lined the streets to pay tribute to the service men and women who have given their lives in the course of their duties.  

The event began with a parade from Castle Street, along The Borough and South Street to the war memorial at Gostrey Meadow and included members of the Farnham Branch of the Royal British Legion, uniformed services and local representatives. 

Farnham Town Council and the Royal British Legion organise the event jointly each year. The parade, accompanied by Alder Valley Brass, was led by Deputy Lieutenant Brigadier Roger Hood QVRM TD DL and Police Sergeant Michael Knight, followed by the Mayor and Mayoress of Waverley, Councillor John Ward and Mrs Gillian Ward, and the Mayor of Farnham, Councillor Alan Earwaker. 

The Mayor of Farnham addressed the gathering at Gostrey Meadow: “You are all welcome as we honour armed forces’ members who have died in the line of duty, following a tradition inaugurated by King George V in 1919. We join with communities across the nation, the Commonwealth and the world as we take time to remember the service of those who lost their lives.”

The Mayor adds: “Remembrance Sunday is one of the key points in the year when residents gather together to show support and respect for our armed forces. The parade and service was both moving and thought provoking; impactful and a time for reflection. Thank you to all of those who took part or came to watch. If you were unable to come, please take a look at our official Facebook page where we have a video of the parade and service.”

The Mayor of Waverley read Ian Rae’s poem ‘Shed No Tears for Me’ before the traditional Remembering Epitaph read by Brigadier Hood QVRM TD DL and Patrick Stephens, representing the young people of Farnham. 

Following the Last Post, a two minutes’ silence and playing of Reveille, the Mayor and other representatives laid wreaths at the memorial. The Farnham Branch of the Royal British Legion laid a wreath in tribute to their late patron, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. With a shift away from the traditional poppy wreath, it comprised her favourite flowers of red and white roses and blue sea thistles. There were also hymns, prayers and the national anthem. 

Services at the war memorials at Badshot Lea, the Bourne, Hale, Rowledge, Weybourne and Wrecclesham also took place.