Commemorating The Great War In Stoughton At Former Army Barracks This Sunday

Published on: 18 Sep, 2014
Updated on: 18 Sep, 2014

An afternoon of colourful events to mark the 100th anniversary of the First World War is taking place on Sunday at the place where scores of men enlisted to fight in the ‘war to end all wars’.

Stoughton in the Great War is a free community event on Sunday, September 21, being held on the green at Cardwells Keep, once Stoughton Barracks and the home of the area’s local regiment, The Queen’s.

The entrance to Stoughton Barracks just before the First World War.

One of the joint organisers, local historian and writer David Rose, said: “Many people are helping to make this a success, and we expect a large number visitors.

“There will be historical displays focusing on the barracks and the history of The Queen’s, men from Stoughton who died on active service, vintage views of Stoughton 100 years ago, and personal memories. There is plenty of room on the green for all this.

“Complementing the history material will be displays of period military equipment, uniforms and items from the home front. Also present will be the Surrey Infantry Museum and a number of local historians who will be keen to talk to visitors. Come and share your stories.”

There will be plenty to see and do for all ages – from period games and dressing up for children, to music from the Surrey Police Band and singing by local schools, a dance routine, floral and craft displays, plus an area for people to reflect on those who were affected by the First World War.

There will also be a mock First World War trench, contributions from the Stoughton & Westborough Branch of the Royal British Legion, Guildford Sea Cadets, local scouts, the Queen’s Royal West Surrey Regiment Re-enactment Society, Stoughton Crafters and Worplesdon Garden Club, the latter will be showing the types of foodstuffs people grew to feed the nation in wartime. Refreshments will also be available (donations accepted) and there will be a collection for the Army Benevolent Fund.

What was once Stoughton Barracks is now the redeveloped residential area Cardwells Keep.

The event starts at 1pm and at 3.45pm, following the arrival of the local Air Training Corps band, everyone will be invited to follow the band, with local clergy, and walk from Cardwells Keep down Stoughton Road the short distance to Stoke Cemetery where there will be a service of remembrance, with wreath laying, at the war memorial cross near some 40 graves of servicemen. A Salvation Army band will provide the music during the service and the names of more than 50 men with connections to Stoughton and who died during the First World War will be read out.

Gunner W G Reeves was one of more than 50 men with connections to Stoughton who died in the First World War.

After the service, people can visit the chapel in the cemetery where refreshments will be serviced by Guildford Borough Council’s bereavement services.

The event is being organised by borough and county councillor Pauline Searle, retired police community support office Sheila Wills and local historian and writer David Rose.

More details from Pauline Searle on 01483 825424.

Those coming to the event by car are advised to take advantage of free and easy parking at nearby Northmead Junior School in Grange Road.