More than sixty residents gathered at the war memorial in the High Street on Remembrance Sunday to honour those who lost their lives in the First World War.
The ceremony had particular significance this year because the 11th of November marked the one hundredth anniversary of the end of one of the most horrific wars in history.
The men from Long Wittenham who are remembered on the war memorial are Percy Beckett, Charles Bidmead, Kenneth Bumpass, Alec Chambers, Alan Eason, Vincent Essex, Harry Green, William Wybrow-Hallwright, William Hermon, Thomas Hopkyns, Ernest Jeffries, Fred and Frank Lamboll and Frank Leston.
On Friday the 9th of November ninety-five children and teachers from Long Wittenham Primary School had paid their respects during a special church service and afterwards at the war memorial for a moving tribute to those of another generation. The service was taken by the Rev David Haylett who also presided over the Sunday remembrance at the war memorial.
Members of the village WI had knitted poppies and a wreath was made by the craft group with guidance from Jenny Garlick. A garland of poppies was placed behind the war memorial and at the stone cross in the village.
Wreathes were laid by the chairman of Long Wittenham Parish Council Gordon Rogers, Jane May on behalf of the WI and by Linda Town on behalf of the village poppy collectors. Mr Rogers recited the names of the men from Long Wittenham who were killed and presented a commemorative sapling from the County Council and Woodland Trust to mark the 100th anniversary of the armistice. It will be planted at the entrance to the Sylva Wood Centre in Little Wittenham Road.
Very Good Turnout. Did anyone get any photos please?
Hi Steve, I have a few photos taken on Jane’s iphone – but they do not show the villagers attending – only the memorial and piper! Richard