Farnham’s schoolchildren lead moving Remembrance commemoration

Pupils from schools across Farnham came together on Friday 6 November for a special Schools’ Remembrance Service at the War Memorial in Gostrey Meadow, honouring those who gave their lives in conflicts past and present.

Organised in partnership with the Farnham Schools’ Confederation, the annual commemoration provided an opportunity for young people to reflect on the sacrifices made by members of the Armed Forces and to understand the importance of remembrance.

The service was attended by the Deputy Lieutenant, Brigadier Roger Hood QVRM TD, Gregory Stafford MP, the Mayor of Farnham, Councillor Graham White, and the Mayoress, Judy White, and Lisa O’Sullivan, Town Clerk & CEO. They were joined by the Reverend Sandy Clarke, representatives of the Royal British Legion, veterans, uniformed personnel and members of the local community.

Following an introduction by the Mayor, the commemoration included readings by representatives of the Royal British Legion and the Deputy Lieutenant. Older pupils from Weydon School and Farnham Heath End School joined Brigadier Hood in remembering those who had fallen.

The assembled pupils, guests and representatives observed the two-minute silence, marked by the playing of the Last Post and Reveille by Mr Steve Burgess.

One of the most poignant parts of the service was the reading of poems written especially for the occasion by pupils from local schools. Children from All Saints Infant School, Tilford, Potters Gate Primary School, South Farnham Primary School, St Mary’s Infant School and Rowledge Primary School shared their work, offering thoughtful and moving reflections on remembrance.

Wreaths were laid by the Deputy Lieutenant, the Royal British Legion, the Mayor and Gregory Stafford MP. Pupils from The Abbey School laid a wreath on behalf of the Farnham Schools’ Confederation, while representatives from participating schools joined together to lay tributes and plant remembrance crosses. Members of the public were invited to pay their own respects.

The service concluded with prayers led by the Reverend Sandy Clarke and closing words from the Mayor.

The Mayor of Farnham, Councillor Graham White, said: “It was wonderful to see so many young people from Farnham’s schools coming together to take part in this important act of remembrance.

“Their involvement makes this occasion particularly special. Through their poems, readings and the laying of wreaths and crosses, they demonstrated great thoughtfulness and respect for those who have lost their lives in conflict.

“Remembrance is about ensuring that the experiences and sacrifices of previous generations are never forgotten. It is hugely encouraging to see our schools working together to keep this tradition alive and pass its significance on to future generations.

“My thanks go to the Farnham Schools’ Confederation, all the schools and pupils who took part, and everyone who helped organise such a meaningful commemoration.”

Schools represented at the service included All Saints Infant School, Tilford; Potters Gate Primary School; South Farnham Primary School; Rowledge Primary School; Badshot Lea Infant School; William Cobbett Primary School; Highfield South Farnham School; The Abbey School; The Ridgeway School; St Polycarp’s Primary School; St Mary’s Infant School, Frensham; St Peter’s Primary School; St Andrew’s Infant School and Farnham College.