DESPITE the heavens opening very forcefully on Saturday (November 10), just a few minutes prior to Holybourne’s Centenary Service to mark Remembrance and the Signing of the Armistice Treaty, more than 300 villagers gathered around the war memorial on London Road as the air-raid siren sounded over Holybourne at 10.45am.

The parade marched on from the Andrews Endowed School car park, led by the Pipers from the Rose and Thistle Band. Not only did Parade Marshall, Flt Sgt Tom Bagley, coordinate the Standards of the British Legion and RAF Association Standards, led the parade troops from the Army and Air Cadets, the Scouts, and both Eggar’s and Andrews’ Endowed Schools, he had to escort a marching mayor of Alton this year – Derek Gardner, dressed in RAF uniform.

Invited dignitaries and speakers gathered at the memorial, having assembled in the Old Prince of Wales, where Roger and Gwyneth Eldridge kindly hosted the Stirrup Cup. Organiser, Major Adrian Stratta, introduced the event, explaining the origins of the Unknown Soldier, and how and why this and the poppy became the symbol of Remembrance.

After prayers, led by Padre Wendy Mallas, the address was delivered by Revs Martin East, a Holybourne resident who served for 33 years as a helicopter pilot in the RAF, retiring as a Wing Commander to become ordained.

Revd East reminded those present that in conflict, no matter the reason or justification, people predominantly fight for the love of their fellow men, the souls beside them, and that it’s important to remember all combatants and non-combatants, in all wars and conflicts and the associated horrors, especially those currently suffering and those battling images and fears from the past.

David Tomlinson, deputising as Holybourne Village Association (HVA) Chair, read the names of the fallen from WWI, followed by the Exhortation from Cdr John Fitzpatrick RN. Local trumpeter, Tony Wilman, sounded The Last Post as the Standards were dipped at 11am for the two minute silence. The Union Flag was raised as Mr Wilman played Reveille.

Capturing the moment, Brigadier Tim Carmichael read ’In Flanders Field’, the classic poem by John McCrae, before the wreath laying, led by Mayor Cllr Derek Gardner.

He was followed by local councillors for the county and district, Andrew Joy and Glynis Watts, and David Tomlinson for the HVA. Wreaths were laid on behalf of the Armed Forces by Cdr John Fitzpatrick RN, Brigadier Tim Carmichael and Wg Cmd Charlie Street, SMO RAF Odiham.

Derek Morne represented the Royal British Legion and Pop Chandler the RAF Association. After the schools came the Church; Warden Alan Armstrong was followed by a representative from Holybourne’s Masonic Lodge. Finally, Reginald Cuff was assisted in laying his wreath by Sally Green for The Lawn, Friends of the Elderly Residential Home.

Brig Tim Carmichael read the Kohima Epitaph, before the Revd Andrew Micklefield conducted the Act of Commitment and the Blessing.

Flt Sgt Bagley marched the parade past the Lawns, where the residents were sitting patiently, to pay their respects. A warming reception and Remembrance Punch was donated by the Eldridges at the White Hart, as old comrades recalled past glories and new friends were made.