Charlotteville Remembers With A Socially-Distanced Wreath-Laying

Published on: 8 Nov, 2020
Updated on: 8 Nov, 2020

The service of remembrance in Charlotteville.

A very limited remembrance act of worship and laying of poppy wreaths took place on Saturday (November 7) around the Charlotteville war memorial at Addison Court.

Ian Nicholls, who, with his partner Julie Howarth, organises the annual service, reports… 

Government safety guidelines were followed and a small group represented the community to honour those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

A short service was conducted around the war memorial by the Revd Rod Pierce of Holy Trinity Church. The two-minute silence was held with Last Post and Reveille kindly played by bugler Brian Cohen of SoundPost in Alexandra Place.

Bugler Brian Cohen.

This attracted nearby residents to watch from their doorsteps and those from Addison Court viewed from the safety of their balcony and windows.

Alf Watling stands on the balcony at Addison Court.

Alf Watling, an ex-serviceman, recited the Ode of Remembrance and The Kohima Epitaph from the balcony and lowered a wreath from the residents.

Surrey County Councillor Mark Brett-Warburton and Guildford Borough Councillor Maddy Redpath.

Wreaths were also laid by Surrey County Councillor Mark Brett-Warburton, Guildford Borough Councillor Maddy Redpath, Ian Nicholls and Julie Howarth; the latter’s on behalf of Val Compton who was unable to attend to remember her Newman relatives, due to lockdown.

Dempsey and Hollybell who were out selling Royal British Legion poppies with their mother Nicky, kindly laid a poppy wreath on behalf of the children of Charlotteville.

Dempsey and Hollybell lay a wreath.

Julie read the reflection that this year focused on the centennial year of the gifting of Pewley Down by Guildford’s Friary Brewery – to be preserved for time immemorial for the people of Guildford in thankfulness for the conclusion of the Great War.

The people of Guildford have valued and enjoyed this beautiful outdoor space more than ever for their fresh air and daily exercise during 2020 lockdown.

Those who supported its preservation all those years ago could never have imagined just how important it would be during the current battle against an unseen foe.

Julie also reflected on a previous pandemic, ‘the Spanish flu’ that had taken the life of Private Frederick Etheridge, in France in December 1918 less than a month after the signing of Armistice.

A small outdoor poster display can be viewed in front of Addison Court and locals are encouraged to pay their respects privately, and ‘virtually’ via the Charlotteville War Memorial website where the stories of those who served and some history of the community of St Luke’s can be found.

Photos by Alistair Williams and Ian Nicholls.

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