The public mood was reflective on Sunday 10 November 2024, as the people of Farnham came together to honour those who have lost their lives in conflicts past and present.
Hundreds of residents lined the streets to witness the parade led by Alder Valley Brass, the Mayor of Farnham, the Vice Lord Lieutenant Mary Creswell DL, the Mayor and Mayoress of Waverley and representatives of the uniformed services, cadets, scout groups, community organisations, and local dignitaries. The parade began in Castle Street and made its way to the war memorial in Gostrey Meadow.
At the war memorial, the Revd H David Uffindell led the service with support from Dr Fortune Ncube of the Emmanuel Church. The service featured readings by the Mayor of Farnham, Councillor Brodie Mauluka; Richard Varley, Farnham Royal British Legion; the Vice Lord Lieutenant Mary Creswell DL, and a representative of the young people of Farnham from Hale Community Centre’s Youth Club.
Just before 11am, Hamish Robertson piped a haunting lament. At 11am, The Last Post was played by bugler Steve Burgess, and the standard was lowered, as the community observed a two-minute silence. This was followed by the playing of The Reveille, the reading of the Kohima Epitaph by Alex Herd, the laying of wreaths and a special tribute to the Home Front by Davy Watters from Farnham’s branch of the Royal British Legion.
The ceremony, which was jointly organised by Farnham Town Council and Farnham’s branch of the Royal British Legion, concluded with a march past and the taking of the salute outside the Town Hall on South Street. Mr Ian Hunter, Parade Marshall for the past 13 years, asked the permission of the Vice Lord-Lieutenant to ‘fall out’ for the very last time, stepping down from this role.
Special thanks were given to Ian and Debbie Hunter, with a particular acknowledgment of Ian’s exceptional dedication and commitment to Farnham’s Remembrance Sunday Parade and Service. Their tireless efforts have ensured that this important tradition remains a meaningful and dignified occasion for the entire community.
Councillor Brodie Mauluka said “Thank you to all members of our community for taking part today. We were delighted to welcome so many parts of our Farnham community in the parade and in laying wreaths. Today was an opportunity to remember those lost in conflict in both the first and second world wars and in subsequent conflicts, including those sadly taking place today.”
In addition to the town centre events, remembrance services were held across Farnham in The Bourne, Hale, Badshot Lea, Rowledge, Wrecclesham, and Weybourne, ensuring that the whole community could take part in this important occasion.
On Friday, 8 November, the Mayor of Farnham hosted a special remembrance service at Gostrey Meadow war memorial for children from the Farnham Schools’ Confederation. Deputy Lieutenant Perdita Hunt OBE, Major Andrew Dobbin Officer in Command of 4th Battalion Princess of Wales Royal Regiment, Gregory Stafford MP, uniformed personnel, cadet forces, and local veterans, helped to provide a meaningful opportunity for young people to engage with the history and importance of remembrance.
Highlights included a reading of ‘They Shall Grow Not Old’ by students from Weydon and Farnham Heath End School alongside the Deputy Lieutenant. School children also read poems which they had written for the occasion. The service concluded with the laying of wreaths and the planting of crosses.
Farnham’s annual Remembrance events continue to be a powerful reminder of the town’s commitment to remembering and honouring those who have served their country.
