‘The Lamps Are Going Out…’ – WWI Commemorative Events and Services

Published on: 28 Jul, 2014
Updated on: 29 Jul, 2014

‘The lamps are going out all over Europe, we shall not see them lit again in our lifetime’. These words, attributed to Britain’s Foreign Secretary Sir Edward Grey on the eve of the outbreak of the First World War, will no doubt be heard again many times this coming week as we prepare mark the 100th anniversary of the start of the Great War.

A number of commemorative events and services are taking place in Guildford, some of which are listed here.

St Luke’s Church, Burpham Lane, Burpham, Saturday and Sunday, August 2 (10am to 4pm) and 3 (10am to 1pm).

Flower festival and exhibition with tributes to the 18 men remembered on the war memorial in the churchyard. The displays aim to make the men who died more than just names on a granite memorial.

St Peter’s Shared Church, Bellfields, Guildford, Sunday, August 3, 10am.

A special service to commemorate the outbreak of the First World War including sowing poppies on the green. There will be a picnic on the green after the poppy sowing and an exhibition of local historical photos and information panels (courtesy of historian David Rose).

Emmanuel Church, Stoughton, Guildford, Sunday and Monday, August 3 and 4, 10am to 2pm.

Display of flowers and First World War memorabilia by members of the church.

Holy Trinity Church, High Street, Guildford, Monday, August 4.

Church open for quiet reflection from 11am to 11pm.
Special service at 10pm.
Lights extinguished at 11pm

Guildford Cathedral, Monday, August 4, 10pm.

In the presence of the Earl and Countess of Wessex, the service will last for approximately one hour. It will take the form of a vigil and will include music and readings relating to the First World War. Some of the words used will be those of men and women of Surrey who fought in the war or were personally affected by its course.

Applications for tickets should be sent to: The Surrey Lieutenancy Office, Room 121 County Hall, Penrhyn Road, Kingston upon Thames KT1 2DN.
Or by email to: lordlieutenant.office@surreycc.gov.uk

Guildford Guildhall, High Street.

On the evening of Monday, August 4, the frontage of the Guildhall will be lit by a single lantern.

Worplesdon Memorial Hall, exhibition of First World War artefacts and local history, Monday, August 4, 2pm to 8pm.

The Great War Remembered is being hosted by Worplesdon Parish Council. See original First World War items loaned by local people. There will be a picture display by local historian David Rose to include old images of Worplesdon, The Queen’s (Royal West Surrey) Regiment, Guildford war hospitals and the massive Witley Army camp. Display panels by David will also be on show telling the history of Guildford in the Great War.

Lights out.

There is a national website encouraging people on behalf of the Royal British Legion to turn off the lights in their homes or to light a candle from 10pm to 11pm on August 4 for a shared moment of reflection. Click here for more details.