Please click on poster to enlarge it
Pictured: Ruth Timbrell Read and the New Chavey Down War Memorial (WWII)
After thirteen years of campaigning by local historian - Ruth Timbrell, Adrian Hoare, Richard Hyslop and the Chavey Down War Memorial Committee, war memorials recording the Chavey Down men who gave their lives in each of WWI (14 men) and World War II (7 men), on the wall of St.Martin's Church, were unveiled on November 21st 2015.
Reverend Simon Baynes, former vicar of Winkfield and Cranbourne, returned to lead a service of dedication before the unveiling. Pupils from Ranelagh School made up the choir. Reverend Baynes stressed the need for Christians to work for peace and led prayers for the servicemen, especially those now on active service. There were also readings by Robyn Randall and Barbara Knight, while 'In Flanders Fields' was read by children from St.Martin's Explorers. Prayers were also led by former Vicar, Rev. Catherine Blundell and Mary Knight. The service concluded with 'I Vow to Thee, My Country' and the National Anthem.
The congregation then gathered on the lawn in front of the Church. The memorials (by Lamb & Company), up to this point covered by a Union Flag which, until recently flew from a Royal Navy ship and loaned by the Datchet Royal British Legion, were unveiled by HM Lord Lieutenant of the Royal County of Berkshire, Mr James Puxley, after which Ruth Timbrell read out all the names and ages of those commemorated on the memorials. Wreaths were then laid at the war memorials, by Mr James Puxley, Deputy Mayor of Bracknell Forest - Cllr Tony Virgo, Adam Afriyie MP, Cranbourne & Winkfield Royal British Legion - Fred Cox and Violet Jones (Women's Section), Glenna Platt (on behalf of the World War I fallen from Chavey Down), http://vhealthportal.com, Rosie Antink on behalf of the World War II fallen, and Winkfield Parish Council Chairman - Cllr Stuart Tarrant.
Roger Fletcher then read 'They Shall Not Grow Old and, after the bugler,( from the Medical Army Corps Camberley) payed the 'Last Post' and Reveille, Florence Brockman represented youth and pledged to work anew in support of the wartime generations and all those in conflicts since.
A reception was then held in the Hall, with wine supplied by the Winkfield May Day Fair and canapes donated.
A commemorative booklet has been written by Jackie Mayes. It tells the stories of the men listed on the WWI memorial . Copies are on sale (£3)
