Crowds Flock To Stoughton To Commemorate 100th Anniversary of The Great War

Published on: 21 Sep, 2014
Updated on: 24 Sep, 2014

Stoughton pulled out all the stops on Sunday, September 21, and hosted a magnificent event to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the First World War.

Pupils from Northmead Junior School.

Organisers estimate that more than 500 people flocked to the green at Cardwells Keep, off Stoughton Road, the former depot of The Queen’s (Royal West Surrey) Regiment.

Kevin Smith brought along military items from his collection.

Just as it would have been 100 years ago when Stoughton Barracks was in full swing enlisting and training men for the war, on Sunday, under clear and sunny skies, it was again full of people – this time enjoying an event based on local and wartime history.

Opened by the Mayor of Guildford, David Elms, the afternoon was a colourful spectacle with many local groups and individuals coming to together to put on a special free community event.

Among the many things taking place, were songs from the Great War era sung by pupils of Stoughton First School and Northmead Junior School, plus more music from the Surrey Police Band.

The Surrey Infantry Museum at Clandon Park put in a strong appearance.

History displays on Stoughton Barracks, The Queen’s Regiment and Stoughton were complemented by others exhibiting military and civilian artefects from the war.

Sea cadets, scouts and guides were present showing what they do, and there were plenty of activities for children that featured traditonal games as well as the chance to cook food over a camp fire courtesy of Guildford Borough Council’s Playrangers.

Youngsters have fun cooking on camp fires.

The Stoughton & Westborough branch of the Royal British Legion was present, raising funds for the Poppy Appeal along with others fundraising for the Army Benevolent Fund.

Looking through a periscope towards No Man’s Land.

A mock-up of a First Word War trench, complete with periscope to look over the top, was a big draw alongside stands from the Worplesdon Garden Club and Fairlands WI, the later taking the theme of ‘votes for women’. There was a floral display and also an embroidery display, by Stoughton Crafters, based on the barracks.

The Queen's Royal West Surrey Regiment re-enactment Society demonstrate some rifle practise.

The Queen’s Royal West Surrey Regiment Re-enactment Society demonstrate rifle drill.

Refreshments and cakes were served throughout the afternoon courtesy of staff from the Queen Elizabeth Park Care Home and other volunteers, and at 3.45pm, many of those who attended marched behind the band of the local Army Cadet Force down Stoughton Road to Stoke Cemetery where there was a moving service of remembrance at the war memorial cross. This was led by local clergy with music by a Salvation Army band.

Main organisers, Sheila Willis, Cllr Pauline Searle and David Rose, once again thank everyone who attended and to all those who volunteered their services.

At the service of remembrance at Stoke Cemetery.

Pictures from the day (by Mike Ellis, Helen Rose and Bryony Rose) are featured here with more to follow and quotes from people who attended, plus a further feature. Check back soon to read more.

Buglers at the service.

A number of wreaths and floral tributes were laid including those by Nigel and Val Crompton.

This floral tribute was from Michelle Anthinoitis from Australia in memory of Percy Hedges who died in the First World War and who lived in Stoughton Road.

This floral tribute by Michelle Anthinoitis from Australia is in memory of Percy Hedges who died in the First World War and who lived in Stoughton Road.

Responses to Crowds Flock To Stoughton To Commemorate 100th Anniversary of The Great War

Shirley and Brian West Reply

September 22, 2014 at 7:27 am

Congratulations to all who put on a wonderful WWI commemoration event this afternoon. The atmosphere was buzzing – so many memories for so many people. Also, so many people chatting to each other and having a good old chin wag. It took me back because my mother took me to see both brothers passing out day when they joined The Queen’s.

Thank you to Pauline Seale, David Rose and everyone else who had worked so hard to bring back our history of Stoughton Barracks.

But most of all a massive thank you to the Mayor David Elms, his lovely wife Wendy and, of course, MP Anne Milton who is such good fun at any event she attends.

Shirley and Brian West, true Guildfordians.
Pauline Searle Reply

September 22, 2014 at 11:35 am

A really wonderful afternoon.

Thank you to everyone that helped to make this a very special event, it really showed what a wonderful history and great community we have in Stoughton.

A special thank you to my fellow organisers David Rose and Sheila Willis for all their hard work.

Pauline Searle is the Lib Dem county councillor and a borough councillor for Stoughton.
Brian Holt Reply

September 22, 2014 at 3:43 pm

Thank you to the organisers David Rose, Pauline Searle and Sheila Willis for a very enjoyable afternoon.

Once again a very large crowd for another successful Stoughton event. It was nice to see the children singing.

While looking at the photographs of old Stoughton I noticed a number of men looking at the Northmead Boys school photo, and chatting about the teachers who were there. It may have been over 55 years ago but we could still name the teachers.

My brother and his family came up for the day from Eastbourne and said it was worth the journey.

It was nice to meet so many people that you hadn’t seen for years.
Andrew Backhurst Reply

September 22, 2014 at 10:43 pm

A very enjoyable afternoon. There was a great atmosphere and a fabulous amount going on. The stands and the entertainment were superb.

It was great listening to the fond memories and reminiscing from the older folk while the children were clearly fascinated by the artefacts on display and the numerous activities that were set up for their age group.

A very well thought out event. Thank you.
Janette Winmill Reply

September 25, 2014 at 11:59 am

Very good events. Thanks to all.