A VILLAGE is coming together to remember the sacrifice made by the Great War generation by placing transparent silhouettes of British troops around the community.

The congregation of St James’ Church, Rowledge, has taken delivery of ten ‘Tommy’ statues from the ‘There But Not There’ campaign, run by charity Remembered, as part of their events to mark 100 years since Armistice Day.

During the church service on Sunday, November 11, at 10am, vicar Russell Gant will formally dedicate the statues before they are distributed throughout the area as a lasting reminder of the conflict.

The silhouettes form part of the wider Rowledge Remembers programme of activities taking place over the Remembrance weekend. It is hoped the activities will help raise money for Combat Stress, a military mental health charity.

One of the events is a Thai and Tipple night at the village hall on November 10, where a mixture of oriental treats and artisan gins will be the order of the evening.

In what promises to be a memorable evening, entertainment will get under way from 7.30pm, with a live band taking to the stage and playing older as well as more modern tunes.

The same venue is also hosting an exhibition of photographs and memorabilia from 1918 – which can be seen throughout the day – with guided history walks from 11am and afternoon tea at 2.30pm.

The tone turns more reflective on November 11, with the annual Remembrance service at the church followed by a two minute silence at 11am and wreath laying at the village war memorial.

Songs around the piano at the Hare and Hounds pub conclude the weekend programme at 4pm.

Reverend Russell Gant said: “In the centenary year, this weekend provides a chance for the whole community to come together and remember both those who lived through the Great War, as well as those who paid the ultimate sacrifice for their country.

“Just as importantly, it is also an opportunity to raise awareness of those who still suffer the affects of war today. We hope we have got the balance right between time and space for private reflection, as well as a chance to come together and have fun to raise money for the amazing work of Combat Stress.”

Tickets for the Thai and Tipple night – priced at £12 for entry only and £20 including supper – are available from the church office, Humphries the butcher, or by calling 01252 793266.