SOLEMN acts of remembrance will be observed at the Gostrey Meadow war memorial in Farnham next week, beginning with a schools’ remembrance service on Friday, November 8, followed by the community-wide act of remembrance on Sunday, November 10.

Eighteen schools from the Farnham Schools Confederation will join the mayor and other civic dignitaries, retired and serving members of the armed forces, sea and air cadets, and the Reverend John Morris from St Thomas-on-the-Bourne for the school’s service.

The public are also welcome.

The mayor, Councillor Pat Evans, said: “As the world wars recede from living memory, it’s important that our young people continue to understand why a national act of remembrance is still important and relevant.”

The service will begin at 10.45am and include poems, readings and a two-minute silence. Every child will be invited to place a wooden cross in memory of those who have died for their country.

On Remembrance Sunday, the mayor and Vice Lord Lieutenant of Surrey, Bill Biddell, will be joined by representatives of the armed forces, uniformed services, scout groups and local dignitaries in a parade from Castle Street to the war memorial.

There will be a short service at 10.45am followed by two minutes of silence at 11am and then a march past. The parade will continue past the council offices in South Street, ending at St Andrew’s Church for a remembrance service led by the Reverend David Uffindell.

The mayor, Cllr Evans, who will jointly host the event on November 10, added: “I hope as many local people as possible will line the route of the parade.

“I feel privileged to be able to lead the town in honouring both those who have served and those who continue to defend our freedoms and do their duties at home and around the world, both in times of peace and in conflict.”

Details of road closures can be found online at www.farnham.gov.uk