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Wealth Of Events Being Planned in Guildford To Mark Centenary Of The First World War
Published on: 2 Nov, 2013
Updated on: 2 Nov, 2013
Plans are well under way for a large number of events that will take place in Guildford next year to mark the centenary of the start of the First World War.
L Cpl Charles Tubbs of the Queen’s Royal West Surrey Regiment died in October 1918 after being gassed on the Western Front. His family lived at 7 Falcon Road, Guildford.
They include civic events at venues including the Guildhall, Guildford Cathedral, Holy Trinity Church and in the High Street; exhibitions and talks at Guildford Museum and the Guildford Institute; plus a new documentary film on Guildford in The Great War by the Circle 8 Film Group.
Added to these are expected to be numerous community events across the borough at which people of all ages will be invited to reflect upon the ‘war to end all wars’, the sacrifice made by so many and to focus on the outcome of that terrible conflict and how it has influenced society up to the present day.
Guildford Borough Council is co-ordinating and giving support to many of these commemorations and has a committee that is meeting to discuss ideas and to help promote all that is going on. Local historian and Guildford Dragon NEWS writer David Rose is a member of this committee and is honoured to be asked for his support.
He said: “Nearly 500 men from Guildford died on active service during the First World War. Considering the town’s population back then was about 20,000, its likely that every family in Guildford either had a relative who died or knew of a family who lost a loved one.
“Then there were the after effects – men who had survived returning home with terrible injuries and others scarred mentally. The people of Guildford, like every other city, town and village, would have had an enormous struggle coming to terms with the legacy of that war.
“Nationally, there will be numerous events taking place not just in 2014, but on through until 2018, at which we as a nation can reflect on what was known as The Great War.
Wounded soldiers at Clandon Park that was used a military hospital during the First World War.
“I am pleased that here in Guildford so many commemorative events have already been planned and that Guildford Borough Council is fully backing these, and that it wants to hear from all groups and societies, schools and communities who may be planning similar commemorations.
“Here at The Guildford Dragon NEWS we will be pleased to report on events taking place and will give organisers plenty of opportunity to promote them.”
Peace celebration in the Castle Grounds in 1919. Picture courtesy of the Guildford Institute.
2014 events planned so far:
Sunday, June 22: Surrey Joint Services’ Charities choral mattins and Armed Forces Day flag raising and parade at Guildford Cathedral.
Monday, June 23: Armed Forces Day flag raising at the Guildhall.
Saturday, June 28: Freedom parade and associated activities in the High Street.
Sunday, July 27: Surrey Joint Services’ Charity commemoration event and picnic at Loseley Park.
Monday, August 4: Commemoration service to commemorate the start of the First World War on the steps of Holy Trinity Church (to be confirmed).
Sunday, September 7: Surrey County Council commemoration service at Guildford Cathedral (provisional).
Sunday, November 9: annual service of remembrance (Remembrance Sunday) at Holy Trinity Church.
Tuesday, November 11: Armistice Day, High Street.
Exhibitions:
June 16 to September 13: Guildford Museum: Last Post – Remembering the First World War.
November 17 to December 13: Guildford House Gallery: Caught in the Crossfire – artistic responses to conflict, peace and reconciliation (to be confirmed).
Guildford Institute: Talks and courses to include, The Art and Poetry of the First World War, Women in World War I, researching your ancestry, WWI poetry.
It is understood that the Surrey Infantry Museum at Clandon Park is also planning commemorative events.
See our previous stories:
Opinion: Guildford Must Play Its Part Commemorating World War I 100 Years On
MP Urges Communities To apply For Funding To Mark First World War Centenary
New Project Will Ensure Burpham Remembers Its War Dead
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Jennifer Haynes
November 3, 2013 at 10:08 am
The Pranksters Theatre Company are staging “Private Peaceful”, an adaptation of the novel by Michael Morpurgo, writer of “War Horse”, at the Electric Theatre from Wednesday 12th-Saturday 15th March 2014.
The moving story follows two brothers on their journey from a sunny Devon childhood to the horrors of the trenches and is a fitting contribution to mark the centenary of the start of the First World War. The novel is taught in schools to children from ages ten to twelve, and the production will be perfect for all age groups. Tickets from Box Office 01483 444789
Mary Alexander
November 4, 2013 at 3:04 pm
Holy Trinity & St. Mary’s churches will be highlighting the war memorials in both churches. These include both regimental memorials and items given in memory of individual soldiers. The emphasis will be on the effect of the war on Guildford and how people remembered it. It is hoped to produce a booklet, and to attract schools and individuals.