Surrey Remembers

10th November 2020 | Lieutenancy News

On Friday 6^th November, the Mayor of Farnham, Councillor Pat Evans, welcomed children from six local schools for a special Schools’ Remembrance service with the Royal British Legion. Special guests also included Brigadier Paul Evans OBE DL who is also the President of Surrey County Royal British Legion, Police and Crime Commissioner David Munro, Flight Lieutenant Nick Filler 229 (Farnham) Squadron ATC and Major William McKean and CSgt Dean Smith of Princess of Wales’ Royal Regiment.

Julie Aldridge, Manager of the Farnham Schools’ Confederation says: “We are so pleased that this annual event was able to proceed whilst in lockdown. Although fewer schools could be present this year, schools within walking distance of the town centre attended and did a great job at representing members of the Farnham Schools’ Confederation. All of our schools marked Remembrance Day in their own settings on 11^th November.”

During the service, which was held at the Gostrey Meadow war memorial, Lily from South Farnham School read ‘Dear Those’ which is a poem she wrote specially for the occasion and older pupils from Weydon School joined Brigadier Evans in reading verses from Laurence Binyon’s poem ‘For the Fallen’

Brigadier Evans wrote after the event ‘I returned from Farnham with a huge sense of pride for what you were able to achieve yesterday. I thought that, given current limitations, you managed to stage a hugely effective event and a fitting way, particularly for the children, to remember all service personnel who have given their lives for the freedoms we enjoy today. We should also remember those who returned with life limiting injuries and mental illness.’

On Remembrance Sunday, Brigadier Roger Hood represented the Lord-Lieutenant at the Farnham Service of Remembrance. The Lord- Lieutenant attended the Remembrance Service at Guildford Cathedral, a recording of that service can be found on the Cathedral Facebook page.

After the Service the Lord-Lieutenant said, “as a Lay Canon I felt fortunate , to be able to attend this morning‘s remembrance service at the cathedral. Although sadly there was an empty cathedral, it was a poignant service remembering all those who gave their lives for our country.”

In the afternoon the Lord-Lieutenant visited the Muslim Peace Garden in Woking with the High Sheriff and laid a wreath on behalf of the people of Surrey.