Below are reports of Hethersett's annual village Remembrance Event going back to 2007. They are taken from the news archive section of the Hethersett Village Web Site and reproduced with the permission of the editor. Visit the web site to see many more photographs from the events held over the past eight years.
2007
THE annual Remembrance Service at Hethersett was organised once again by Hethersett and District Churches Together.
Churches from Hethersett, Little Melton and Great Melton combined at St Remigius Church with wreaths being laid on the war memorial by representatives of the churches and uniformed organisations. The Last Post was sounded by a member of the Royal British Legion. The names of those who died in the two world wars were read out by Duncan Pigg for Hethersett, Maggie Murrell for Great Melton and Fiona Doonan for Little Melton.
The Act of Remembrance inside the parish church was led by the Rector, the Rev Di Lammas, and a special remembrance day sermon was preached by the Archdeacon of Norfolk, the Venerable David Hayden.
Work to further commemorate the war dead in a special booklet is progressing with a publication date to co-incide with next year’s Remembrance event.
THE annual Remembrance Service at Hethersett was organised once again by Hethersett and District Churches Together.
Churches from Hethersett, Little Melton and Great Melton combined at St Remigius Church with wreaths being laid on the war memorial by representatives of the churches and uniformed organisations. The Last Post was sounded by a member of the Royal British Legion. The names of those who died in the two world wars were read out by Duncan Pigg for Hethersett, Maggie Murrell for Great Melton and Fiona Doonan for Little Melton.
The Act of Remembrance inside the parish church was led by the Rector, the Rev Di Lammas, and a special remembrance day sermon was preached by the Archdeacon of Norfolk, the Venerable David Hayden.
Work to further commemorate the war dead in a special booklet is progressing with a publication date to co-incide with next year’s Remembrance event.
2008
HETHERSETT'S annual Remembrance Service had added meaning this year - not only remembering the 90th anniversary of the end of World War One but also marking the launch of The Hethersett War Memorials 1914-1920 - a 48-page booklet from Hethersett Society featuring men from the village who fell in the Great War.
Below we hope to capture some of the atmosphere of a special day for the village, starting with the two minutes' silence around the war memorial in the grounds of St Remigius.
Every year in parishes, towns and cities throughout the country silence descends for at least two minutes as thousands of people remember the ultimate sacrifice given by those killed in war. Organisations from throughout the village gathered in the parish church grounds for the act of remembrance led by parish church Reader Duncan Pigg who read out the list of those killed in the two world wars. This was followed by the last post and reveille and the laying of wreaths by the following organisations:
Hethersett Explorer Scouts, Hethersett Scouts, Hethersett Guides, Hethersett Cubs, Hethersett Beavers, Hethersett Brownies, Hethersett Parish Council, Hethersett Parish Church, the Roman Catholic Church, Hethersett Methodist Church, Hethersett Pensioners’ Association and Hethersett Old Hall School.
Inside the church the service of remembrance was led by Duncan Pigg with Hethersett Methodist Minister The Rev Derek Grimshaw delivering the sermon on the importance and symbolism of poppies worn during the remembrance period.
Two of the hymns featured in the service – “Jesus Lover of My Soul” and “How Bright Those Glorious Spirits Shine” - were sung at the dedication of the village war memorial in the church’s grounds on 11th July, 1920.
Other hymns sung included "Thy Hand O God Has Guided," "O God Our Help in Ages Past" and "Now Thank We All Our God."
Bible readings were by John Head, representing the parish church, and Pauline Cubitt representing the Roman Catholic family. Prayers of Intercession were led by Anne Steward from Hethersett Methodist Church.
Following the service the newly published Hethersett War Memorials booklet was officially launched with a reception including wine and food supplied by Waitrose store of Wymondham.
The 48-page booklet commemorates heroes from Hethersett who died during the First World War and has been put together with the help of grants from the Norfolk Rural Community Council and Hethersett Parish Council. It was researched and written by local historians Bea Ewart and Bob Andrews and brings to life the lives of those featured on the village war memorial who died during the First World War.
The book also describes the village as it was in 1914 and at the time of the dedication of the war memorial in the grounds of the parish church in 1920. It underlines the sacrifices made by local men, giving biographical details both about them and their service.
Chris Barringer, president of Hethersett Society, reflected on those featured: “It is appropriate to launch the booklet on the 90th anniversary of the end of the First World War. It is a very well researched project and many of those featured in its pages will have worshipped in this church,” he said.
Co author Bea Ewart lost a grandfather in the war and wanted to record for posterity the lives of local men who also died. “The booklet was a collaboration between myself and Bob Andrews and a team of volunteer researchers. It was a very enjoyable thing to do and helps us to realise the ultimate sacrifice these brave people made. There are many tours organised to the battlefields and this all helps to bring home the reality of the conflict,” she added.
Those present at the launch included 97-year-old Mary Ransley, who grew up during the war and now lives in Hethersett, and Jenny Pigg and Yvonne Thrower whose grandfather Frederick Curson died from the effects of mustard gas and is buried in Rouen.
A limited number of booklets will be available for sale at £3 from various outlets in the village.
HETHERSETT'S annual Remembrance Service had added meaning this year - not only remembering the 90th anniversary of the end of World War One but also marking the launch of The Hethersett War Memorials 1914-1920 - a 48-page booklet from Hethersett Society featuring men from the village who fell in the Great War.
Below we hope to capture some of the atmosphere of a special day for the village, starting with the two minutes' silence around the war memorial in the grounds of St Remigius.
Every year in parishes, towns and cities throughout the country silence descends for at least two minutes as thousands of people remember the ultimate sacrifice given by those killed in war. Organisations from throughout the village gathered in the parish church grounds for the act of remembrance led by parish church Reader Duncan Pigg who read out the list of those killed in the two world wars. This was followed by the last post and reveille and the laying of wreaths by the following organisations:
Hethersett Explorer Scouts, Hethersett Scouts, Hethersett Guides, Hethersett Cubs, Hethersett Beavers, Hethersett Brownies, Hethersett Parish Council, Hethersett Parish Church, the Roman Catholic Church, Hethersett Methodist Church, Hethersett Pensioners’ Association and Hethersett Old Hall School.
Inside the church the service of remembrance was led by Duncan Pigg with Hethersett Methodist Minister The Rev Derek Grimshaw delivering the sermon on the importance and symbolism of poppies worn during the remembrance period.
Two of the hymns featured in the service – “Jesus Lover of My Soul” and “How Bright Those Glorious Spirits Shine” - were sung at the dedication of the village war memorial in the church’s grounds on 11th July, 1920.
Other hymns sung included "Thy Hand O God Has Guided," "O God Our Help in Ages Past" and "Now Thank We All Our God."
Bible readings were by John Head, representing the parish church, and Pauline Cubitt representing the Roman Catholic family. Prayers of Intercession were led by Anne Steward from Hethersett Methodist Church.
Following the service the newly published Hethersett War Memorials booklet was officially launched with a reception including wine and food supplied by Waitrose store of Wymondham.
The 48-page booklet commemorates heroes from Hethersett who died during the First World War and has been put together with the help of grants from the Norfolk Rural Community Council and Hethersett Parish Council. It was researched and written by local historians Bea Ewart and Bob Andrews and brings to life the lives of those featured on the village war memorial who died during the First World War.
The book also describes the village as it was in 1914 and at the time of the dedication of the war memorial in the grounds of the parish church in 1920. It underlines the sacrifices made by local men, giving biographical details both about them and their service.
Chris Barringer, president of Hethersett Society, reflected on those featured: “It is appropriate to launch the booklet on the 90th anniversary of the end of the First World War. It is a very well researched project and many of those featured in its pages will have worshipped in this church,” he said.
Co author Bea Ewart lost a grandfather in the war and wanted to record for posterity the lives of local men who also died. “The booklet was a collaboration between myself and Bob Andrews and a team of volunteer researchers. It was a very enjoyable thing to do and helps us to realise the ultimate sacrifice these brave people made. There are many tours organised to the battlefields and this all helps to bring home the reality of the conflict,” she added.
Those present at the launch included 97-year-old Mary Ransley, who grew up during the war and now lives in Hethersett, and Jenny Pigg and Yvonne Thrower whose grandfather Frederick Curson died from the effects of mustard gas and is buried in Rouen.
A limited number of booklets will be available for sale at £3 from various outlets in the village.
2009
A new name has been added to Hethersett’s war memorial in the grounds of St Remigius Church.
Norman Folkard was a sergeant serving with the Royal Norfolk Regiment (now the Royal Anglian Regiment). He was killed on September 1st, 1956, during the Cyprus Emergency, when a vehicle in which he was travelling left the road and went down a ravine.
Sgt Folkard was buried in a cemetery in Nicosia, but up until now his name has not been included on the Hethersett War Memorial although it has been read out at a number of Remembrance services.
Now that has changed and he has his own spot on the memorial. He was remembered on Sunday alongside those from the village who died in the two world wars. A list of those fallen was read by St Remigius Church Reader Duncan Pigg who also led the Remembrance Day service inside the church after the customary two minutes’ silence had been observed outside.
A wreath in memory of Sgt Folkard was laid by Lt Col Paul Garman who was a colleague and a fellow sergeant at the time of Norman’s death. Also in attendance for the special day was Major John Denny who was the company sergeant major in 1956.
It was a poignant day for Sgt Folkard’s sister Mrs Gay Payne who now lives at Hingham. She was just 12 when her brother was killed at the age of 22.
“I am so pleased that his name has been added to the Memorial. It is a fitting tribute,” she said. Sgt Folkard also has a brother who is currently living in Australia.
The remembrance service also co-incided with the unveiling of a memorial in Cyprus to mark the 50th anniversary of the end of the emergency. Wreaths were also laid at the Memorial by the chairman of Hethersett Parish Council, Fred Watkins, and representatives from the Methodist Church, the Parish Church, the Roman Catholics and a number of uniformed youth groups including the Guides, Scouts, Brownies and Cubs.
Inside the church the Remembrance Day Sermon was preached by the Venerable Martin Gray, former Archdeacon of King’s Lynn. The prayers of intercession were led by Mrs Jackie Baker and the Act of Commitment was led by Mrs Vic Redington.
A new name has been added to Hethersett’s war memorial in the grounds of St Remigius Church.
Norman Folkard was a sergeant serving with the Royal Norfolk Regiment (now the Royal Anglian Regiment). He was killed on September 1st, 1956, during the Cyprus Emergency, when a vehicle in which he was travelling left the road and went down a ravine.
Sgt Folkard was buried in a cemetery in Nicosia, but up until now his name has not been included on the Hethersett War Memorial although it has been read out at a number of Remembrance services.
Now that has changed and he has his own spot on the memorial. He was remembered on Sunday alongside those from the village who died in the two world wars. A list of those fallen was read by St Remigius Church Reader Duncan Pigg who also led the Remembrance Day service inside the church after the customary two minutes’ silence had been observed outside.
A wreath in memory of Sgt Folkard was laid by Lt Col Paul Garman who was a colleague and a fellow sergeant at the time of Norman’s death. Also in attendance for the special day was Major John Denny who was the company sergeant major in 1956.
It was a poignant day for Sgt Folkard’s sister Mrs Gay Payne who now lives at Hingham. She was just 12 when her brother was killed at the age of 22.
“I am so pleased that his name has been added to the Memorial. It is a fitting tribute,” she said. Sgt Folkard also has a brother who is currently living in Australia.
The remembrance service also co-incided with the unveiling of a memorial in Cyprus to mark the 50th anniversary of the end of the emergency. Wreaths were also laid at the Memorial by the chairman of Hethersett Parish Council, Fred Watkins, and representatives from the Methodist Church, the Parish Church, the Roman Catholics and a number of uniformed youth groups including the Guides, Scouts, Brownies and Cubs.
Inside the church the Remembrance Day Sermon was preached by the Venerable Martin Gray, former Archdeacon of King’s Lynn. The prayers of intercession were led by Mrs Jackie Baker and the Act of Commitment was led by Mrs Vic Redington.
2010
HETHERSETT St Remigius Parish Church was packed for the annual Remembrance Sunday service organised by Hethersett and District Churches Together.
The service began with a procession of uniformed organisations through part of the village and an act of remembrance around the war memorial in the grounds of the church.
Warm rather unseasonal weather met those laying wreaths in remembrance of Hethersett residents who lost their lives in the two world wars and also the Cyprus campaign of the 1950s.
Following the sounding of the Last Post, two minutes’ silence and the Reveille, the service moved inside the church where it was led by the Rector of Hethersett, the Rev Di Lammas, who based her sermon around the work of war poets, both from the World Wars and the modern day conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan.
HETHERSETT St Remigius Parish Church was packed for the annual Remembrance Sunday service organised by Hethersett and District Churches Together.
The service began with a procession of uniformed organisations through part of the village and an act of remembrance around the war memorial in the grounds of the church.
Warm rather unseasonal weather met those laying wreaths in remembrance of Hethersett residents who lost their lives in the two world wars and also the Cyprus campaign of the 1950s.
Following the sounding of the Last Post, two minutes’ silence and the Reveille, the service moved inside the church where it was led by the Rector of Hethersett, the Rev Di Lammas, who based her sermon around the work of war poets, both from the World Wars and the modern day conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan.
2011
THE traditional Hethersett Remembrance Sunday parade and memorial service took place on a glorious sunny autumn morning.
The Guides, Scouts, Brownies, Beavers and Cubs marched slowly from the centre of the village to the church, carrying the Union flag and their own standards. They were met at the War Memorial in the St. Remegius churchyard by residents of all ages.
A dedication to the fallen of the village was then led by Duncan Pigg, who read out the names of men who had died during the two world wars and the Cyprus campaign. There followed two minutes' silence, the start and end of which was marked by a lone bugler playing the Last Post.
The youth organisations, schools, pensioners' association, other village churches and the Parish Council then laid wreaths on the memorial, and each in turn saluted in their own distinctive way. A Remembrance service in the church followed at the end of this moving ceremony.
THE traditional Hethersett Remembrance Sunday parade and memorial service took place on a glorious sunny autumn morning.
The Guides, Scouts, Brownies, Beavers and Cubs marched slowly from the centre of the village to the church, carrying the Union flag and their own standards. They were met at the War Memorial in the St. Remegius churchyard by residents of all ages.
A dedication to the fallen of the village was then led by Duncan Pigg, who read out the names of men who had died during the two world wars and the Cyprus campaign. There followed two minutes' silence, the start and end of which was marked by a lone bugler playing the Last Post.
The youth organisations, schools, pensioners' association, other village churches and the Parish Council then laid wreaths on the memorial, and each in turn saluted in their own distinctive way. A Remembrance service in the church followed at the end of this moving ceremony.
2012
HETHERSETT Parish Church was full for the 2012 Remembrance Sunday Service held on November 11th.
The service was preceded by two minutes' silence - fittingly at 11 a.m on the 11th day of the eleventh month - and the laying of wreaths on the village war memorial.
The Guides, Scouts, Brownies, Beavers and Cubs marched to the church from the centre of the village. Duncan Pigg once again read out the names of those who had died during the two World Wars and also the Cyprus campaign prior to the last post being played.
Wreaths were laid by representatives of the youth organisations, the pensioners association, schools, Hethersett Parish Council and churches.
Inside the church the service of remembrance was led by The Rev Canon Graham Drake who spoke of the need to remember the men who had given the ultimate sacrifice for "truth, justice and freedom."
He also pointed out that the day marked the official last day of Hethersett's Rector the Rev Di Lammas who officiated at her final village service at the end of September.
The service featured Bible readings from church warden Rick Palmer and chair of Hethersett Parish Council Fred Watkins. The act of penitence was led by John Head and Intercession was led by Mrs Jackie Baker. At the conclusion of the service the church choir sang "They Shall Not Grow Old" to a musical setting by Douglas Guest of the war poem by Laurence Binyon.
HETHERSETT Parish Church was full for the 2012 Remembrance Sunday Service held on November 11th.
The service was preceded by two minutes' silence - fittingly at 11 a.m on the 11th day of the eleventh month - and the laying of wreaths on the village war memorial.
The Guides, Scouts, Brownies, Beavers and Cubs marched to the church from the centre of the village. Duncan Pigg once again read out the names of those who had died during the two World Wars and also the Cyprus campaign prior to the last post being played.
Wreaths were laid by representatives of the youth organisations, the pensioners association, schools, Hethersett Parish Council and churches.
Inside the church the service of remembrance was led by The Rev Canon Graham Drake who spoke of the need to remember the men who had given the ultimate sacrifice for "truth, justice and freedom."
He also pointed out that the day marked the official last day of Hethersett's Rector the Rev Di Lammas who officiated at her final village service at the end of September.
The service featured Bible readings from church warden Rick Palmer and chair of Hethersett Parish Council Fred Watkins. The act of penitence was led by John Head and Intercession was led by Mrs Jackie Baker. At the conclusion of the service the church choir sang "They Shall Not Grow Old" to a musical setting by Douglas Guest of the war poem by Laurence Binyon.
2013
HETHERSETT Parish Church was once again full for the 2013 Remembrance Sunday Service which was preceded by an act of remembrance around the war memorial with village stalwart Duncan Pigg reading out the names of those who had died during the two World Wars and also the Cyprus Campaign of the 1950s. This was followed by a minute’s silence, the last post and the reveille.
The Guides, Scouts, Brownies, Beavers and Cubs were all represented and laid wreaths on the war memorial. Wreaths were also laid by Hethersett Parish Council chairman Fred Watkins and representatives from local organisations including Hethersett Pensioners’ Association, the Roman Catholic community, Hethersett Parish Church, Hethersett Methodist Church and Hethersett Old Hall School.
Inside the church, the service of remembrance was led by The Rev Christopher Mallett who spoke on the themes of war, hatred, peace and love. Bible readings were given by churchwarden Rick Palmer and Fred Watkins and Margaret Ford, representing Hethersett Methodist Church, led the prayers of intercession.
At the conclusion of the service the church choir sang "They Shall Not Grow Old" to a musical setting by Douglas Guest of the war poem by Laurence Binyon.
HETHERSETT Parish Church was once again full for the 2013 Remembrance Sunday Service which was preceded by an act of remembrance around the war memorial with village stalwart Duncan Pigg reading out the names of those who had died during the two World Wars and also the Cyprus Campaign of the 1950s. This was followed by a minute’s silence, the last post and the reveille.
The Guides, Scouts, Brownies, Beavers and Cubs were all represented and laid wreaths on the war memorial. Wreaths were also laid by Hethersett Parish Council chairman Fred Watkins and representatives from local organisations including Hethersett Pensioners’ Association, the Roman Catholic community, Hethersett Parish Church, Hethersett Methodist Church and Hethersett Old Hall School.
Inside the church, the service of remembrance was led by The Rev Christopher Mallett who spoke on the themes of war, hatred, peace and love. Bible readings were given by churchwarden Rick Palmer and Fred Watkins and Margaret Ford, representing Hethersett Methodist Church, led the prayers of intercession.
At the conclusion of the service the church choir sang "They Shall Not Grow Old" to a musical setting by Douglas Guest of the war poem by Laurence Binyon.
Pictured are left to right - Heather Undrill, Bea Ewett, Bob Andrews, Valerie Hearn and Pamela Hearn.
2014
THE 2014 service of remembrance in Hethersett was a special occasion for more than one reason.
It commemorated the 100th anniversary of the start of the First World War and the 75th anniversary of the beginning of the Second World War and also provided a special and poignant time for three visitors.
For the first time this year, the name of Ray Childs was read out amongst those who fell in the First World War. His name was added to the other 17 from the Great War earlier in the year during a clean-up of the memorial and following a campaign by village historians Bea Ewart and Bob Andrews. Those joining with uniformed organisations and villagers around the memorial included Ray’s great nieces Heather Undrill and Valerie Hearn and his great great niece Pamela Hearn who had travelled from Mundesley and Scottow for the service.
They expressed themselves “absolutely delighted at the marvellous memorial” to their relative. Ray’s name was added to the war memorial this year after the go ahead from Hethersett Parish Council. Ray was severely gassed during active service in France in 1918 and died in Hethersett after the war.
Heavy overnight rain failed to deter the determination of local people and uniformed organisations to gather around the memorial in the grounds of St Remigius Church, despite the fact that the church is still shut for repairs to its roof which are now expected to last until the end of November.
That meant a change to the usual plan with the remainder of the united service being held in Hethersett Methodist Church.
Brownies, Guides, Scouts and other uniformed organisations were present at the War Memorial with Duncan Pigg B.E.M reading out the names of villagers who died during the two World Wars and also during the Cyprus campaign of the 1950s. Wreaths were laid by numerous village organisations including Hethersett Pensioners’ Association, Hethersett Methodist Church, the Roman Catholic Community, the Royal British Legion, Hethersett Parish Council, Hethersett Brownies, the First Hethersett Scouts, the First Hethersett Cubs, the Second Hethersett Guides, Hethersett Beaver Scouts, the First and Fourth Hethersett Brownies and Hethersett Old Hall School.
The service of remembrance at Hethersett Methodist Church was led by the Rector, the Rev Derek McClean, and the Methodist Minister, the Rev Matthew Olanrewaju. The uniformed organisations presented their colours to a full church.
THE 2014 service of remembrance in Hethersett was a special occasion for more than one reason.
It commemorated the 100th anniversary of the start of the First World War and the 75th anniversary of the beginning of the Second World War and also provided a special and poignant time for three visitors.
For the first time this year, the name of Ray Childs was read out amongst those who fell in the First World War. His name was added to the other 17 from the Great War earlier in the year during a clean-up of the memorial and following a campaign by village historians Bea Ewart and Bob Andrews. Those joining with uniformed organisations and villagers around the memorial included Ray’s great nieces Heather Undrill and Valerie Hearn and his great great niece Pamela Hearn who had travelled from Mundesley and Scottow for the service.
They expressed themselves “absolutely delighted at the marvellous memorial” to their relative. Ray’s name was added to the war memorial this year after the go ahead from Hethersett Parish Council. Ray was severely gassed during active service in France in 1918 and died in Hethersett after the war.
Heavy overnight rain failed to deter the determination of local people and uniformed organisations to gather around the memorial in the grounds of St Remigius Church, despite the fact that the church is still shut for repairs to its roof which are now expected to last until the end of November.
That meant a change to the usual plan with the remainder of the united service being held in Hethersett Methodist Church.
Brownies, Guides, Scouts and other uniformed organisations were present at the War Memorial with Duncan Pigg B.E.M reading out the names of villagers who died during the two World Wars and also during the Cyprus campaign of the 1950s. Wreaths were laid by numerous village organisations including Hethersett Pensioners’ Association, Hethersett Methodist Church, the Roman Catholic Community, the Royal British Legion, Hethersett Parish Council, Hethersett Brownies, the First Hethersett Scouts, the First Hethersett Cubs, the Second Hethersett Guides, Hethersett Beaver Scouts, the First and Fourth Hethersett Brownies and Hethersett Old Hall School.
The service of remembrance at Hethersett Methodist Church was led by the Rector, the Rev Derek McClean, and the Methodist Minister, the Rev Matthew Olanrewaju. The uniformed organisations presented their colours to a full church.
2015
HETHERSETT Parish Church was full for the annual Remembrance Sunday Service.
The service began around the war memorial with the roll call of those who lost their lives in the two world wars and the Cyprus campaign being read out by Duncan Pigg. A minute's silence was observed and the Last Post and Reveille were sounded.
Wreaths were laid by a number of local organisations including the Roman Catholic Community, Hethersett Parish Council, Hethersett Pensioners' Association, the RAF, 1st Hethersett Scouts, Hethersett Methodist Church, 1st Hethersett Cubs, 2nd Hethersett Guides, the 1st and 4th Hethersett Brownies, the 1st Hethersett Beavers, Hethersett Parish Church and Hethersett Old Hall School.
The service of remembrance continued inside St Rimigius and was led by the Rector, the Rev Derek McClean and included traditional Bible readings and hymns and the National Anthem. The youth uniformed organisations from the village were well represented.
HETHERSETT Parish Church was full for the annual Remembrance Sunday Service.
The service began around the war memorial with the roll call of those who lost their lives in the two world wars and the Cyprus campaign being read out by Duncan Pigg. A minute's silence was observed and the Last Post and Reveille were sounded.
Wreaths were laid by a number of local organisations including the Roman Catholic Community, Hethersett Parish Council, Hethersett Pensioners' Association, the RAF, 1st Hethersett Scouts, Hethersett Methodist Church, 1st Hethersett Cubs, 2nd Hethersett Guides, the 1st and 4th Hethersett Brownies, the 1st Hethersett Beavers, Hethersett Parish Church and Hethersett Old Hall School.
The service of remembrance continued inside St Rimigius and was led by the Rector, the Rev Derek McClean and included traditional Bible readings and hymns and the National Anthem. The youth uniformed organisations from the village were well represented.
2016
A packed Hethersett Parish Church honoured the village’s war dead at the annual Remembrance Sunday Service.
The special service of remembrance began around the war memorial with village stalwart Duncan Pigg reading out the names of those killed in the world wars. This was followed by the sounding of the Last Post, followed by the laying of wreaths by representatives of many of the village’s churches and other uniformed organisations.
This year these included: Hethersett Scouts, Hethersett Guides, Hethersett Cubs, Hethersett Beavers, Hethersett Brownies, Hethersett parish Council, Hethersett Parish Church, Hethersett Methodist Church, Hethersett Roman Catholic Community, Hethersett Pensioners’ Association and Hethersett Old Hall School.
The remembrance service inside the church was led by the Rector of Hethersett, the Rev Derek McClean and the Methodist Minister the Rev Matthew Olanrewaju. A collection was taken on behalf of the Royal British Legion.
A packed Hethersett Parish Church honoured the village’s war dead at the annual Remembrance Sunday Service.
The special service of remembrance began around the war memorial with village stalwart Duncan Pigg reading out the names of those killed in the world wars. This was followed by the sounding of the Last Post, followed by the laying of wreaths by representatives of many of the village’s churches and other uniformed organisations.
This year these included: Hethersett Scouts, Hethersett Guides, Hethersett Cubs, Hethersett Beavers, Hethersett Brownies, Hethersett parish Council, Hethersett Parish Church, Hethersett Methodist Church, Hethersett Roman Catholic Community, Hethersett Pensioners’ Association and Hethersett Old Hall School.
The remembrance service inside the church was led by the Rector of Hethersett, the Rev Derek McClean and the Methodist Minister the Rev Matthew Olanrewaju. A collection was taken on behalf of the Royal British Legion.
2017
YOUTH organisations and village groups were once again well represented at the 2017 annual Remembrance Service at St Remigius Parish Church.
The service inside the church was preceded by an act of remembrance around the village war memorial in the churchyard. John Head read out the names of those from the village who died fighting for their country in the two World Wars.
Two minutes’ silence was immaculately observed and wreaths were laid by representatives from many of the village organisations including Hethersett Parish Council, Hethersett Explorers, Hethersett Scouts, Hethersett Cubs, Hethersett Old Hall School, Hethersett Brownies, Hethersett Guides, Hethersett Beavers, Hethersett Pensioners’ Association, Hethersett Methodist Church, Hethersett Parish Church and the Royal British Legion. In his address inside the church the Rector of Hethersett, the Rev Derek McClean, looked at the fall-out from war and the tragic loss of life. He spoke at length about the 30th anniversary of the IRA bombings at the Enniskillen Remembrance Service in 1987 and the bravery and courage shown by Gordon Wilson who lost his daughter in the bombing but refused to be bitter and worked tirelessly for peace.
Rev McClean paid tribute to Duncan Pigg who has read the names of the war dead for decades and who has now passed the task on to John Head.
Prayers were led by Rev Matthew Olanrewaju and the St Remigius Church Choir sang the anthem “They Shall Grow Not Old."
YOUTH organisations and village groups were once again well represented at the 2017 annual Remembrance Service at St Remigius Parish Church.
The service inside the church was preceded by an act of remembrance around the village war memorial in the churchyard. John Head read out the names of those from the village who died fighting for their country in the two World Wars.
Two minutes’ silence was immaculately observed and wreaths were laid by representatives from many of the village organisations including Hethersett Parish Council, Hethersett Explorers, Hethersett Scouts, Hethersett Cubs, Hethersett Old Hall School, Hethersett Brownies, Hethersett Guides, Hethersett Beavers, Hethersett Pensioners’ Association, Hethersett Methodist Church, Hethersett Parish Church and the Royal British Legion. In his address inside the church the Rector of Hethersett, the Rev Derek McClean, looked at the fall-out from war and the tragic loss of life. He spoke at length about the 30th anniversary of the IRA bombings at the Enniskillen Remembrance Service in 1987 and the bravery and courage shown by Gordon Wilson who lost his daughter in the bombing but refused to be bitter and worked tirelessly for peace.
Rev McClean paid tribute to Duncan Pigg who has read the names of the war dead for decades and who has now passed the task on to John Head.
Prayers were led by Rev Matthew Olanrewaju and the St Remigius Church Choir sang the anthem “They Shall Grow Not Old."
2018
AT the eleventh hour on the eleventh day of the eleventh month of 1918 the guns fell silent. At the eleventh hour on the eleventh day of the eleventh month of 2018 Hethersett fell silent - 100 years exactly from the signing of the armistice that officially ended the First World War.
Hethersett joined villages, towns and cities throughout the United Kingdom to observe two minutes’ silence and remember and honour the dead of two world wars. Whilst the wars now recede from living memory with ever-increasing speed and the last few soldiers involved in the Second World War pass on, it is even more important that we remember the sacrifices made. Here in Hethersett there are more than 30 names on the village war memorial in the grounds of St Remigius Parish Church.
These are testament to those members of the armed forces from the village who went to fight for their country an never returned. With their deaths, the face of Hethersett changed forever. As if on cue and at the behest of a higher authority, the heavy early morning rain gave way to bright sunshine as villagers and uniformed organisations came together to pay their respects. The names of those from Hethersett who lost their lives in the two world wars and the Cyprus campaign of the 1950s were read out by John Head and the Last Post was played as an impeccably observed silence descended at 11am. This was followed by a service inside the church led by the Rector, the Rev Derek McClean and the Associate Priest the Rev Christopher Mallett. Rev Mallett spoke of the sacrifice given by so many to ensure that future generations could live in peace. He also looked back on his own family history which saw him born in King’s Lynn at the precise time that the town was being bombed in the Second World War. He illustrated his talk by circulating images of postcards sent back to England from the front. “My father served in the First World War and suffered the affects of mustard gas. It is wonderful to have memories of my father and I still have a crucifix he was given on his way home from the war.
“When they got home the troops spoke very little about the war and I think he had guilty feelings about returning home when many of his comrades didn’t make it back. “He talked about the youth of some of the German soldiers. He felt no animosity to the Germans but only to the politicians,” Rev Mallett, said adding that the First World War had proved not to be “the war to end all wars” as it was stated at the time. “Today we still have wars around the Globe, but we must offer thanks to all people of all nations involved in the fighting in the First World War and learn from their sacrifice,” he added.
Before the service, wreaths were laid at the war memorial by local organisations including Hethersett Parish Council, Hethersett Old Hall School, Hethersett Pensioners’ Association, St Remigius Church, Hethersett Guides, Hethersett Explorers, Hethersett Beavers, Hethersett Brownies, Hethersett Cubs, Hethersett Scouts and Hethersett Methodist Church. Specially decorated remembrance stones had been placed around the war memorial by pupils from Hethersett Junior School. There was also a special photograph and remembrance sheet in memory of the Ninham Family.
AT the eleventh hour on the eleventh day of the eleventh month of 1918 the guns fell silent. At the eleventh hour on the eleventh day of the eleventh month of 2018 Hethersett fell silent - 100 years exactly from the signing of the armistice that officially ended the First World War.
Hethersett joined villages, towns and cities throughout the United Kingdom to observe two minutes’ silence and remember and honour the dead of two world wars. Whilst the wars now recede from living memory with ever-increasing speed and the last few soldiers involved in the Second World War pass on, it is even more important that we remember the sacrifices made. Here in Hethersett there are more than 30 names on the village war memorial in the grounds of St Remigius Parish Church.
These are testament to those members of the armed forces from the village who went to fight for their country an never returned. With their deaths, the face of Hethersett changed forever. As if on cue and at the behest of a higher authority, the heavy early morning rain gave way to bright sunshine as villagers and uniformed organisations came together to pay their respects. The names of those from Hethersett who lost their lives in the two world wars and the Cyprus campaign of the 1950s were read out by John Head and the Last Post was played as an impeccably observed silence descended at 11am. This was followed by a service inside the church led by the Rector, the Rev Derek McClean and the Associate Priest the Rev Christopher Mallett. Rev Mallett spoke of the sacrifice given by so many to ensure that future generations could live in peace. He also looked back on his own family history which saw him born in King’s Lynn at the precise time that the town was being bombed in the Second World War. He illustrated his talk by circulating images of postcards sent back to England from the front. “My father served in the First World War and suffered the affects of mustard gas. It is wonderful to have memories of my father and I still have a crucifix he was given on his way home from the war.
“When they got home the troops spoke very little about the war and I think he had guilty feelings about returning home when many of his comrades didn’t make it back. “He talked about the youth of some of the German soldiers. He felt no animosity to the Germans but only to the politicians,” Rev Mallett, said adding that the First World War had proved not to be “the war to end all wars” as it was stated at the time. “Today we still have wars around the Globe, but we must offer thanks to all people of all nations involved in the fighting in the First World War and learn from their sacrifice,” he added.
Before the service, wreaths were laid at the war memorial by local organisations including Hethersett Parish Council, Hethersett Old Hall School, Hethersett Pensioners’ Association, St Remigius Church, Hethersett Guides, Hethersett Explorers, Hethersett Beavers, Hethersett Brownies, Hethersett Cubs, Hethersett Scouts and Hethersett Methodist Church. Specially decorated remembrance stones had been placed around the war memorial by pupils from Hethersett Junior School. There was also a special photograph and remembrance sheet in memory of the Ninham Family.
2019
HETHERSETT came together on Sunday November 10th to remember their fallen in the First and Second World Wars.
The annual ceremony around the village war memorial in the grounds of St Remigius Church on a bright and sunny Sunday marked the 101st anniversary of the end of the Great War and the 74th anniversary of the end of the Second World War.
John Head read out the names of those from the village who gave their lives in the conflicts and also who died during the Cyprus campaign of the 1950s.
Names on the war memorial include: First World War—Robert Bartram, Horace Beaumont, Frederick Bennett, William Bishop, Frederick Blake, William Bringloe, Ralph Buckingham, Albert “Ray” Childs, Harry Childs, Frederick Curson, Frederick Harvey, Arthur Hubbard, Benjamin Joy, Sidney Livick, George Moore, Arthur Ninham, Harry Sergeant, Arthur Shorten.
Second World War— Nigel Beaumont-Thomas, Louis Bunn, Frederick Boswell, Raymond Coller, Alan Colman, Fred Foster, Percy Huggins, Henry Jeckells, John McAnally, Jack Weston, Sidney Wreford, Ernest Yull.
Cyprus Campaign—Norman Folkard.
Wreaths were laid by the following village organisations—The 1st and 4th Hethersett Brownies, Hethersett Parish Council, Hethersett Methodist Church, Hethersett Pensioners’ Association, Hethersett Explorers, Hethersett Scouts, The 2nd and 3rd Hethersett Guides, Hethersett Cubs and Hethersett Beavers.
Afterwards a Remembrance Day service was held within a packed church led by the Rector the Rev Derek McClean who spoke about his own childhood growing up during The Troubles in Northern Ireland. He spoke about love and reconciliation. Below is a gallery of photographs from the 2019 event.
HETHERSETT came together on Sunday November 10th to remember their fallen in the First and Second World Wars.
The annual ceremony around the village war memorial in the grounds of St Remigius Church on a bright and sunny Sunday marked the 101st anniversary of the end of the Great War and the 74th anniversary of the end of the Second World War.
John Head read out the names of those from the village who gave their lives in the conflicts and also who died during the Cyprus campaign of the 1950s.
Names on the war memorial include: First World War—Robert Bartram, Horace Beaumont, Frederick Bennett, William Bishop, Frederick Blake, William Bringloe, Ralph Buckingham, Albert “Ray” Childs, Harry Childs, Frederick Curson, Frederick Harvey, Arthur Hubbard, Benjamin Joy, Sidney Livick, George Moore, Arthur Ninham, Harry Sergeant, Arthur Shorten.
Second World War— Nigel Beaumont-Thomas, Louis Bunn, Frederick Boswell, Raymond Coller, Alan Colman, Fred Foster, Percy Huggins, Henry Jeckells, John McAnally, Jack Weston, Sidney Wreford, Ernest Yull.
Cyprus Campaign—Norman Folkard.
Wreaths were laid by the following village organisations—The 1st and 4th Hethersett Brownies, Hethersett Parish Council, Hethersett Methodist Church, Hethersett Pensioners’ Association, Hethersett Explorers, Hethersett Scouts, The 2nd and 3rd Hethersett Guides, Hethersett Cubs and Hethersett Beavers.
Afterwards a Remembrance Day service was held within a packed church led by the Rector the Rev Derek McClean who spoke about his own childhood growing up during The Troubles in Northern Ireland. He spoke about love and reconciliation. Below is a gallery of photographs from the 2019 event.
2020
It was a very different kind of Remembrance Sunday around the War Memorial due to the coronavirus pandemic. A short service was led by the Rector - the Rev Derek McClean with the names of those who lost their lives in the two world wars and the Cyprus campaign were read out by John Head. There was no service in the church but the Last Post was sounded by Jeremy Lightowler and two minutes' silence was observed.
It was a very different kind of Remembrance Sunday around the War Memorial due to the coronavirus pandemic. A short service was led by the Rector - the Rev Derek McClean with the names of those who lost their lives in the two world wars and the Cyprus campaign were read out by John Head. There was no service in the church but the Last Post was sounded by Jeremy Lightowler and two minutes' silence was observed.
2021
HETHERSETT came together on November 14th to remember the fallen of two world wars.
Remembrance Sunday saw the customary two minutes’ silence observed around the war memorial in the grounds of St Remigius Church.
Wreaths were laid by a number of Hethersett groups and organisations including: Norfolk Fire Service, Hethersett Explorers, Hethersett Scouts, Hethersett Guides. Hethersett Cubs, Hethersett Beavers, Hethersett Brownies, Hethersett Parish Council, Hethersett Methodist Church and Hethersett Old Comrades.
A short service of remembrance around the memorial was led by the Rector of Hethersett, the Rev Derek McClean and the Last Post was sounded by Jeremy Lightowler, The names of Hethersett’s war dead were read out by John Head.
The village’s uniformed organisations presented their colours outside the church. Last year with COVID restrictions firmly in place there was no church
service. This year there was a limited service without the uniformed organisations. This was led by Rev McClean with prayers being said by Hethersett’s Methodist Minister The Rev Steve Cullis.
Remembrance Sunday saw the customary two minutes’ silence observed around the war memorial in the grounds of St Remigius Church.
Wreaths were laid by a number of Hethersett groups and organisations including: Norfolk Fire Service, Hethersett Explorers, Hethersett Scouts, Hethersett Guides. Hethersett Cubs, Hethersett Beavers, Hethersett Brownies, Hethersett Parish Council, Hethersett Methodist Church and Hethersett Old Comrades.
A short service of remembrance around the memorial was led by the Rector of Hethersett, the Rev Derek McClean and the Last Post was sounded by Jeremy Lightowler, The names of Hethersett’s war dead were read out by John Head.
The village’s uniformed organisations presented their colours outside the church. Last year with COVID restrictions firmly in place there was no church
service. This year there was a limited service without the uniformed organisations. This was led by Rev McClean with prayers being said by Hethersett’s Methodist Minister The Rev Steve Cullis.
2022
HETHERSETT and the Meltons came together in St Remigius Church on Remembrance Sunday to remember those who gave their lives in the two world wars.
Villagers and members of the uniformed groups gathered around the war memorial to observe two minutes’ silence at 11 am. Jeremy Lightowler played
the Last Post and the names of those from the village remembered on the war memorial were read out by John Head.
Wreaths were laid by Hethersett’s community police officer PC Stu Barnard on behalf of Norfolk Constabulary, by representatives of the East Anglian
Ambulance Service, the Royal British Legion, Hethersett Parish Council, Hethersett Methodist Church, First Hethersett Beavers, First Hethersett Cubs,
First Hethersett Rangers, Second and Third Hethersett Guides, First and Fourth Hethersett Brownies, First Hethersett Scouts and Explorer Group and one that said simply “Old Comrades.”
The church was then full for the service of remembrance which was led by the Rev David East and Hethersett Rector, The Rev Derek McClean. In his address, Rev East talked about the meaning of remembrance and the importance of those who gave their lives so that we can enjoy the freedom that
we have today.
Uniformed organisations paraded their colours inside the church and the choir closed the service with an anthem following the singing of the National Anthem. A collection was taken for the work of the Royal British Legion.
Villagers and members of the uniformed groups gathered around the war memorial to observe two minutes’ silence at 11 am. Jeremy Lightowler played
the Last Post and the names of those from the village remembered on the war memorial were read out by John Head.
Wreaths were laid by Hethersett’s community police officer PC Stu Barnard on behalf of Norfolk Constabulary, by representatives of the East Anglian
Ambulance Service, the Royal British Legion, Hethersett Parish Council, Hethersett Methodist Church, First Hethersett Beavers, First Hethersett Cubs,
First Hethersett Rangers, Second and Third Hethersett Guides, First and Fourth Hethersett Brownies, First Hethersett Scouts and Explorer Group and one that said simply “Old Comrades.”
The church was then full for the service of remembrance which was led by the Rev David East and Hethersett Rector, The Rev Derek McClean. In his address, Rev East talked about the meaning of remembrance and the importance of those who gave their lives so that we can enjoy the freedom that
we have today.
Uniformed organisations paraded their colours inside the church and the choir closed the service with an anthem following the singing of the National Anthem. A collection was taken for the work of the Royal British Legion.
2023
Uniformed groups joined with residents to fill St Remigius Church for the annual Remembrance Sunday Service when the village remembered those who gave their lives in the service of their country in the Two World Wars.
Before the service inside the church there was a service of remembrance around the war memorial with the names of those commemorated on the memorial being read out by Hethersett’s Methodist Minister the Rev Steve Cullis.
Organisations then laid wreaths around the war memorial. These included the Royal British Legion, Hethersett Methodist Church, Old Comrades, Hethersett Parish Council, Hethersett Brownies, Hethersett Rangers and Guides, Hethersett Explorer Scouts, First Hethersett Cubs, First Hethersett Scouts, First Hethersett Beavers, First Hethersett Squirrels.
Wreaths from the emergency services were laid by representatives from the Police, Ambulance and Fire Brigade.
The service inside the church was led by the Venerable Martin Gray, assisted by Rev Cullus. In his address to a packed church Martin Gray talked about the positive steps taken towards peace since the fall of the Berlin Wall almost 34 years to the day.
Rev Gray spoke about the shoots of hope despite the thousands of victims of evil in our World. He praised the Scouting movement which he has been a part of for 70 years. “Young people have such an important part to play in uniting people in common humanity,” he said.
Sadly today we have many thousands of additional people to remember than we had when the Berlin wall fell. He spoke of the brutality and wickedness of war.
“Is peace just a pipedream. The circle of despair has to be broken and that process has to start with us,” he said.
Uniformed groups joined with residents to fill St Remigius Church for the annual Remembrance Sunday Service when the village remembered those who gave their lives in the service of their country in the Two World Wars.
Before the service inside the church there was a service of remembrance around the war memorial with the names of those commemorated on the memorial being read out by Hethersett’s Methodist Minister the Rev Steve Cullis.
Organisations then laid wreaths around the war memorial. These included the Royal British Legion, Hethersett Methodist Church, Old Comrades, Hethersett Parish Council, Hethersett Brownies, Hethersett Rangers and Guides, Hethersett Explorer Scouts, First Hethersett Cubs, First Hethersett Scouts, First Hethersett Beavers, First Hethersett Squirrels.
Wreaths from the emergency services were laid by representatives from the Police, Ambulance and Fire Brigade.
The service inside the church was led by the Venerable Martin Gray, assisted by Rev Cullus. In his address to a packed church Martin Gray talked about the positive steps taken towards peace since the fall of the Berlin Wall almost 34 years to the day.
Rev Gray spoke about the shoots of hope despite the thousands of victims of evil in our World. He praised the Scouting movement which he has been a part of for 70 years. “Young people have such an important part to play in uniting people in common humanity,” he said.
Sadly today we have many thousands of additional people to remember than we had when the Berlin wall fell. He spoke of the brutality and wickedness of war.
“Is peace just a pipedream. The circle of despair has to be broken and that process has to start with us,” he said.
2024
HETHERSETT Parish Church was full once again for the annual Remembrance Day Service which followed the Act of Remembrance around the war memorial.
The names of those from the village who died in the two world wars were read out by John Head, the Last Post was played by Jeremy Lightowler and wreaths were laid by numerous organisations and groups which included: Hethersett Scouts, Guides, Cubs, Rangers, Squirrels and Beavers, Hethersett Parish Council, South Norfolk Council, the emergency services (fire, police and ambulance), the Royal British Legion, Old Comrades, Hethersett Parochial Church Council and Hethersett Methodist Church.
Inside the church the Rector, the Rev Lynn Chapman, was leading her first Remembrance Sunday after her appointment earlier in the year. She took as her theme the three tenets of “living fairly, being kind and being humble.” “The First World War was known as the war to end all wars, but that is not the case. It can feel overwhelming and that there’s nothing we in Hethersett can do about it,” she said adding that peace is achievable if everybody contributes their own little bit of fairness, kindness and humbleness. “Conflict comes about when little things become big things,” she said.
Those from Hethersett remembered who are included on the war memorial were: First World War— Robert Bartram, Horace Beaumont, Frederick Bennett, William Bishop, Frederick Blake, William Bringloe, Ralph Buckingham, Albert “Ray” Childs, Harry Childs, Frederick Curson, Frederick Harvey, Arthur Hubbard, Benjamin Joy, Sidney Livick, George Moore, Arthur Ninham, Harry Sergeant, Arthur Shorten. Second World War— Nigel Beaumont-Thomas, Louis Bunn, Frederick Boswell, Raymond Coller, Alan Colman, Fred Foster, Percy Huggins, Henry Jeckells, John McAnally, Jack Weston, Sidney Wreford, Ernest Yull. Cyprus Campaign—Norman Folkard.
The names of those from the village who died in the two world wars were read out by John Head, the Last Post was played by Jeremy Lightowler and wreaths were laid by numerous organisations and groups which included: Hethersett Scouts, Guides, Cubs, Rangers, Squirrels and Beavers, Hethersett Parish Council, South Norfolk Council, the emergency services (fire, police and ambulance), the Royal British Legion, Old Comrades, Hethersett Parochial Church Council and Hethersett Methodist Church.
Inside the church the Rector, the Rev Lynn Chapman, was leading her first Remembrance Sunday after her appointment earlier in the year. She took as her theme the three tenets of “living fairly, being kind and being humble.” “The First World War was known as the war to end all wars, but that is not the case. It can feel overwhelming and that there’s nothing we in Hethersett can do about it,” she said adding that peace is achievable if everybody contributes their own little bit of fairness, kindness and humbleness. “Conflict comes about when little things become big things,” she said.
Those from Hethersett remembered who are included on the war memorial were: First World War— Robert Bartram, Horace Beaumont, Frederick Bennett, William Bishop, Frederick Blake, William Bringloe, Ralph Buckingham, Albert “Ray” Childs, Harry Childs, Frederick Curson, Frederick Harvey, Arthur Hubbard, Benjamin Joy, Sidney Livick, George Moore, Arthur Ninham, Harry Sergeant, Arthur Shorten. Second World War— Nigel Beaumont-Thomas, Louis Bunn, Frederick Boswell, Raymond Coller, Alan Colman, Fred Foster, Percy Huggins, Henry Jeckells, John McAnally, Jack Weston, Sidney Wreford, Ernest Yull. Cyprus Campaign—Norman Folkard.
2025
THE 2025 Remembrance service was centred around the word community.
The service was led by The Rev Canon Richard Lamey who focussed on the meaning of Remembrance, emphasising that the names on Hethersett War Memorial were once human beings made of flesh and blood.,
The annual remembrance event began, as always, with the reading by John Head of the names of those commemorated on the village war memorial who died in the two world wars (and one from the Cyprus campaign). This was followed by the last post played by Jeremy Lighowler and then an impeccably observed two minutes' silence and the laying of wreaths by community representatives.
The village's uniformed organisations were once again well represented with youngsters impeccably dressed for the occasion.
This was followed by a service within a packed church. Rev Lamey underlined the importance of community and remembrance
"It is easy today to fall into the trap of thinking that we are remembering a name, but we are remembering individuals who were as unique and precious as you are and who, when put together, were as different as people in your class at school, in your uniform group or in your office. Each one of them had their own mind, a job, they had families, they had friends, they may have been married with children or only just left school. They may have dreamed of having a family of their own.
"Each name on the war memorial outside is a story, a face, a person, someone whose chance to grow old was taken from them by the war. Each of the people had a place in the world and, when they died, that place stayed open, healing only very slowly if it ever did. The people that were closest to them missed them every single day because they didn't come back. They were missed from the changing room at a sports club, they were missed from the shop where they worked, they were missed from church and from the street, they were missed by those who loved them. Daughters and sons grew up with out their dads. Parents who didn't become grandparents, children who grew up just with pictures on the mantelpiece. Every one of them has a place in the world and when they didn't come home they left a scar on the family and on the wider community which is why we remember them today."
Rev Lamey went on to share the history of a soldier named Charles Rideout who died at the age of 25 in 1915 and whom he has researched. Corporal Rideout came home on leave and before returning to the war said "Look after mum and dad because I wont be coming back." Rev Lamey used this soldier to illustrate how close many of the fallen were to the local community and how many people from that community would have known them.
"We are not remembering names, we are remembering individuals and remembering people like you and me and the impact on the community that their deaths had and that is why remembrance matters so much because of the impact on the community and the impact on their families was so immense.
"They had much to live for but, unlike us, they didn't have the chance to do so. In the act of thanksgiving for all they did and all they gave up we remember them."
He brought the story right up to date by urging people to always hold communities dear:
“We have to work and commit to our communities and build a better community by being kind and caring and looking after each other.”
Organisations laying wreaths included the East of England Ambulance Service, Norfolk Constabulary, Old Comrades, Hethersett Parochial Church Council, Hethersett , Methodist Church, Hethersett Parish Council, Hethersett Guides, South Norfolk Council, Hethersett Brownies, First Hethersett Scouts and Hethersett Rangers.
The service was led by The Rev Canon Richard Lamey who focussed on the meaning of Remembrance, emphasising that the names on Hethersett War Memorial were once human beings made of flesh and blood.,
The annual remembrance event began, as always, with the reading by John Head of the names of those commemorated on the village war memorial who died in the two world wars (and one from the Cyprus campaign). This was followed by the last post played by Jeremy Lighowler and then an impeccably observed two minutes' silence and the laying of wreaths by community representatives.
The village's uniformed organisations were once again well represented with youngsters impeccably dressed for the occasion.
This was followed by a service within a packed church. Rev Lamey underlined the importance of community and remembrance
"It is easy today to fall into the trap of thinking that we are remembering a name, but we are remembering individuals who were as unique and precious as you are and who, when put together, were as different as people in your class at school, in your uniform group or in your office. Each one of them had their own mind, a job, they had families, they had friends, they may have been married with children or only just left school. They may have dreamed of having a family of their own.
"Each name on the war memorial outside is a story, a face, a person, someone whose chance to grow old was taken from them by the war. Each of the people had a place in the world and, when they died, that place stayed open, healing only very slowly if it ever did. The people that were closest to them missed them every single day because they didn't come back. They were missed from the changing room at a sports club, they were missed from the shop where they worked, they were missed from church and from the street, they were missed by those who loved them. Daughters and sons grew up with out their dads. Parents who didn't become grandparents, children who grew up just with pictures on the mantelpiece. Every one of them has a place in the world and when they didn't come home they left a scar on the family and on the wider community which is why we remember them today."
Rev Lamey went on to share the history of a soldier named Charles Rideout who died at the age of 25 in 1915 and whom he has researched. Corporal Rideout came home on leave and before returning to the war said "Look after mum and dad because I wont be coming back." Rev Lamey used this soldier to illustrate how close many of the fallen were to the local community and how many people from that community would have known them.
"We are not remembering names, we are remembering individuals and remembering people like you and me and the impact on the community that their deaths had and that is why remembrance matters so much because of the impact on the community and the impact on their families was so immense.
"They had much to live for but, unlike us, they didn't have the chance to do so. In the act of thanksgiving for all they did and all they gave up we remember them."
He brought the story right up to date by urging people to always hold communities dear:
“We have to work and commit to our communities and build a better community by being kind and caring and looking after each other.”
Organisations laying wreaths included the East of England Ambulance Service, Norfolk Constabulary, Old Comrades, Hethersett Parochial Church Council, Hethersett , Methodist Church, Hethersett Parish Council, Hethersett Guides, South Norfolk Council, Hethersett Brownies, First Hethersett Scouts and Hethersett Rangers.
