East Garston

90 Years of Remembrance

With the 11th of November 2008 marking the 90th anniversary of the Armistice, this year’s Remembrance is an occasion to remember those who died in the Great War.

Some of the bloodiest fighting of that war took place in the Flanders and Picardy regions of Belgium and Northern France. The poppy was the only thing which grew in the aftermath of complete devastation, so it's only right that it is now a symbol of regeneration, hope and sacrifice.

Poppy Collectors: Help the Royal British Legion to keep the annual Poppy Appeal growing. Without volunteer collectors out there on the streets, without appeal organisers planning the collections, this great cause would grind to a halt. The RBL need to recruit more people each year, as many of their current volunteers are retiring from active duty. Add to this the ever increasing demand on the Legion’s services and you can see just why they need your help more than ever.

(pictured right) East Garston's own Poppy Collectors Dawn Tonge and Bonnie Pounds.

The skies cleared and the sun shone for East Garston’s Service of Remembrance at the war memorial in the centre of the village on Saturday the 8th of November. Sadly due to a family bereavement The Revd Nigel Sands was unable at the last moment to conduct the service, though as an emergency arrangement, the Vicar – the Revd Tony Cumberlidge was able to step in.

The British Legion Wreath was laid by distinguished serviceman Lt. Cdr. Norton R Lee DSC RNR (Retd.), who also spoke Laurence Binyon’s lines. Terence Butler formerly Sgt PWRR gave the Kohima Epitaph and the lesson was read by PC Matthew Clayton. Other wreaths were laid by Jonathan Rabbitts – Chairman East Garston Parish Council and Sally Wright – Churchwarden of East Garston Church.

An innovation this year was the Wantage Silver Youth band, conducted by Roger Middlebrook, who played superbly for the hymns as well as before and after the service. These young people aged 11years upwards lent a poignancy to the occasion, as they were a reminder that young people not much older than them, went off to serve their country and of course many did not return. The soloists – Harry Kent 13, who played Last Post and Jordan Mason 15, Reveille, did so with remarkable dignity and maturity. Revd Cumberlidge thanked the band at the end of the service and said that any regiment would be proud to have the soloists play for them.

Sally Wright

Remembrance is not about glorifying war. It’s about remembering those who did their very best in frightening and dangerous circumstances for the sake of their community and their country

Text : Sally Wright : Ken Tarbox
Photos : Ken Tarbox