On the weekend after Remembrance Day,11th of November, the villages of Wraysbury and Horton combined for another annual Remembrance Day service. 

 

The villagers paid their respects and remembered the members of the armed forces who have died since the First World War. Poppies adorned lampposts and bus stops, the community posted old photographs of those members of the armed forces who resided in the village and served in previous wars, mostly from WW2. The photographs are a poignant reminder of those who served in the Navy, Army and Air Force, protecting our country and ultimately sacrificing their life; but had lived among us. Some of their families still do so.  

The service of remembrance took place at  Saint Michaels Church Horton, followed by a parade through the village rfrom the church to the war memorial. The parade was led by the Rainbows, Beavers, Cubs, Brownie, Scouts including the flag bearers, joined by  community members. At the old war memorial at exactly 11 o’clock the flags were lowered and the Last Post was played on the trumpet by a 15 year old local boy. Hand-made poppies were placed by the Cubs and Beavers followed by wreaths from individuals including for the first time a wreath laid down by the police force. The two minute silence was concluded by the playing of the Reverie on the trumpet and as is usually the case with the village in the flight path of Heathrow, a landing aircraft also broke the silence.

The community might be small in number but big in heart and the gathering in Champneys Hall for tea and biscuits after the parade enabled the important friendly connections for the villagers.

What followed was a second service of remembrance at the war memorial in Wraysbury at 12 noon. Here again, the Boy and Girl Scouts  gathered with members from the village. This year was particularly special as it was the first time that the village sang the National Anthem to the King. 

The remembrance services are always special to the residents of both villages as it is a coming together of all, to remember those who sacrificed their lives. Lest we forget.