Representatives from Sandown, Lake and Shanklin combined to commemorate the 19 WW1 Commonwealth War Graves yesterday (Sunday) with the laying of pebble poppies specially created by members of Sandown Brownies and Guides.
Relatives of Private Albert Kingston, AV Stanley Butcher and Sergeant Henry Butcher attended the commemoration at Christ Church in Sandown and laid poppies, along with Mayors Jacquie Mereweather (Sandown), Steve Knight (Shanklin) and Lake Chair Sue Horton. They were joined by RBL President Ian Ward, Rotary President Paul Brading, RBL Bugler Daryll Pitcher and Councillor Debbie Andre.
Over 60 participants followed the commemorative walk in the Church Yard led by warden Paul Corbett, followed by an exhibition in the church.
Christ Church Minister Rev Mark Williams said:
“We felt it was important to take time to reflect on the sacrifices made by residents of the Bay 100 years ago, and the presence of Commonwealth War Graves across our Towns and Parishes is a daily reminder of events a century ago”.
Ian Ward BEM, who also read the Kohima and Exhortation, added:
“Thousands of people drive past the war graves daily, and it was fitting to highlight the impact that the First War, and subsequent conflicts, had on families and communities across the Bay and the Island”.
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Members of the 5th Sandown Brownies and 1st Lake Guides received copies of the Commonwealth War Graves Certificates, as well as ‘thank yous’ signed by the Island’s Lord Lieutenant, High Sheriff, Chair of the Council, RBL President and Rotary President – similar certificates are to be presented to all Island Primary School students who are planting commemorative bulbs, in Living Crosses, provided by the Rotary Association.
Rotary President Paul Brading concluded:
“As a local resident it was an honour to part of the Commemoration, an event that truly bridged the bay and brought together different generations – many with relatives whom we honoured today”.
The centenary of Lt Edwin Rivers Smith, whose Commonwealth War Grave was commemorated, is on 6th November 2018.
