This year’s Act of Remembrance in Geddington was a heartfelt gathering, as children from Geddington Primary School, along with villagers, gathered solemnly around the village’s war memorial.
The ceremony was led by Churchwarden and Lay Pastoral Minister, Penny Griffin, who presided over the service with reverence and dignity.
The children entered in a quiet, respectful line, taking their places around the memorial and waiting patiently as villagers gathered to pay their respects. Once all were in place, the service commenced with prayers, setting a reflective tone for the event. Headteacher James Sherlock then read the Roll of Honour, a moving reminder of the village members who gave their lives in service to their country.
Schoolchildren gather at the memorial before the service. [Photo: Geddington.net]In a poignant moment, two pupils from Geddington Primary School stepped forward to lay a wreath on behalf of the school, honoring those who gave their lives. After the wreath was set in place, Last Post was played. The British Legion flag was lowered, and everyone present observed a two-minute silence, broken only by the chiming of the clock tower as the hour of 11 struck.
During the ‘Last Post’, the British Legion standard is lowered. The flagbearer was Peter Moate. [Photo: Geddington.net]Following the silence, piper Nick Tysoe played Flowers of the Forest, a traditional lament, which added a touching depth to the morning’s reflections. The students, who stood quietly throughout, were a true credit to the village and added a sense of hope and continuity to this annual act of remembrance.
The weath, laid by students from Geddington Primary School, was set beside those left by other village groups at the service on the previous day. [Photo: Geddington.net]Those that visited the church afterward, were greeted by beautifully crafted decorations prepared by the Geddington Knitting Group. Their creations adorned various parts of the church, adding warmth and tribute through handmade symbols of remembrance.
Each year, our village’s Act of Remembrance serves as a solemn reminder of the past, but it’s also a testament to our community’s dedication to honoring it, with young and old standing side by side to remember and reflect.
They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old: Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning We will remember them.
Decorations inside the church. [Photo: Geddington.net]
