Lest we forget: Farnham pupils take part in schools’ Remembrance service

Pupils from Farnham-area schools have been given a poignant lesson as they’ve come together for a special Remembrance Service at the war memorial.

The annual commemoration organised by the town council in partnership with the Farnham Schools’ Confederation gave youngsters the chance to reflect on the sacrifices made by the Armed Forces and understand the importance of Remembrance.

Deputy Lieutenant, Brigadier Roger Hood QVRM TD, and Gregory Stafford MP attended along with civic figures, veterans, uninformed personnel, RBL representatives and members of the Farnham community.

The service introduced by the mayor, Cllr Graham White, included readings by RBL representatives and Brigadier Hood with pupils from Weydon and Farnham Heath End Schools joining the latter in remembering the fallen.

Pupils from a handful of schools read poems written for the occasion while wreaths were laid by the Deputy Lieutenant, RBL, Mayor, Mr Stafford and pupils from The Abbey School on behalf of the FSC.

The service concluded with prayers led by Rev Sandy Clarke and closing words from Cllr White.

He 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.”

The council has also thanked the 26 volunteer litter pickers who ensured Gostrey Meadow and the parade route was looking its best ahead of Remembrance Sunday.

The group – which included a team of ten from Farnham Town Running Club – filled 26 bags with a discarded yoga mat being among the more unusual finds.

A further litter pick took place on the morning with an even bigger army of volunteers filling an additional ten sacks following the fireworks procession.