Farlington to honour 51 fallen servicemen
AS the nation commemorates the centenary of the end of the First World War, Farlington will be playing its part by honouring the 51 servicemen named on the war memorial in St Andrew’s churchyard and on the plaque inside the church.
The project, funded by a National Lottery Grant, has been led by Splodge Designs, a creative community arts company based in Hampshire. Groups involved in the research include Year 5 pupils from Solent Junior School, volunteers from the University of the Third Age (U3A), local cubs, scouts, beavers and guides, and residents of the Alexandra Rose Care Home in Farlington.
Commemorations will begin at 11 am on Saturday 10th November with the unveiling of a new piece of artwork as a permanent memorial, sited immediately outside the Church of the Resurrection, Penryn Avenue, Drayton. Inside the church there will be an exhibition of the research, and a presentation of busts inspired by the soldiers' stories, created by the Solent Junior School pupils.
The event will see the launch of a 32- page booklet looking at who the men were and how they served - as well as a new Honouring Farlington's Fallen website, taking their story to an even wider audience.
A new commemorative banner, to be housed in St Andrew’s church, will also be unveiled on Saturday. Light refreshments will be provided for visitors to the event.
On Sunday 11th November, at 10:50 am, there will be a gathering at the War Memorial in the churchyard at St Andrew’s. Attendees will join with the nation in the laying of wreaths and observing the silence at 11 o’clock, followed by the Remembrance Day service, during which the banner will be formally dedicated and placed in its new home. The church anticipates a full congregation of regulars and visitors.