Remembrance Weekend 2018

The 100th Anniversary of the end of World War One fell this year at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month – a poignant reminder that our remembrance celebration would be perhaps even more special. Certainly many communities In the United Kingdom, Europe and other parts of the world staged special celebrations of the end of war but also highlighting the futility of it, as they remembered the thousands who had suffered death, permanent injury or trauma of one sort or another.

Here in Audlem a special interest was taken in those remembered by name on the War Memorial. Anne Draper decided back in August that she would like to find some information on each of those named, for a display to be staged In St James Church. With the help of Celia Bloor archive material from the History Society was provided along with a display of World War One artefacts, which was staged in the Lady Chapel. Yet there was still much searching for information via various websites and by contacting living relatives, before it was possible to provide display material to honour the memory of each of those from the village and its surrounds, who lost their lives in the war.

St James School pupils were also involved in providing display work of their project in both artistic and poetic tributes, which reflected their understanding and their empathy with what the men had faced as they went to war. Their contributions were much appreciated and certainly added to the poignancy of the display.

The exhibition was staged late on the Thursday afternoon 8th November and was open for visitors from Friday 9th to Sunday 11th November, with light refreshments provided. Many people took the opportunity to visit the exhibition, some of them being relatives who travelled considerable distances.
The Village Remembrance Service on Sunday 18th November took place at 10.15am so that the Act of Remembrance around the Memorial could follow at 11.00am. The service was led by Rev. Rachael Griffiths and Rev. Gary Windon, while Mr Bill Cowan gave the sermon. Record numbers of villagers packed into the Church, leaving just enough room for the various uniformed organisations. This in itself was a fitting tribute and perhaps reflected the extra interest and celebration that has been generated in this 100th Anniversary Year.

Many thanks are due to Anne Draper, the History Society and St James School pupils and their teachers for their work in staging the exhibition. We should also thank our church bell ringers, who helped celebrate by ringing twice on Remembrance Sunday. Finally thank you to all our villagers who visited the exhibition, who attended the Remembrance Service or joined us at the memorial for the Act of Remembrance.

The collection from the service for the Royal British Legion amounted to £1008.00, which along with further donations for refreshments, gave a grand total of £1130.50

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