70 years on
VJDAY/END WW2 —
STOTFOLD REMEMBERS
The Stotfold & Arlesey Branch of the Royal British Legion, together with
the Stotfold Churches Together and the Stotfold Town Council arranged
a 70th Anniversary Remembrance Service to mark Victory in the Far
East on last Friday evening 14th August 2015. The Branch welcomed
the RBL Bedfordshire County Chairman and Vice-Chairman along with
representatives from the Legion County Branches with Standards at
St. Mary’s Church, Stotfold. The service was well attended by the local
Community. The Order of Service was conducted by the Vicar / Branch
Chaplain Revd. Bill Britt. He was assisted by the Stotfold Salvation Army,
their Band provided the music, Fairfield Community Church, and the Stotfold
Methodist Church. The Sermon was given by Revd. Britt who related the
experiences of three Far East local veterans — Royal Navy Signalman
Arthur George, RAF Flight Sergeant Thomas Chellow GM, and Army
Lt.William Symly of the 5th Column Gurkhas (Chindits). During the Act of
Remembrance the WW2 Roll of Honour was read by Stotfold Mayor Alan
Cooper. A candle was lit in the aisle Memorial Chapel with the Alter decked
with Legion Poppies and origami paper Japanese Cranes (presented by
their Embassy) and a page was turned in the Book of Remembrance to the
music of ‘Nimrod’ by Edward Elgar. The Church service was later followed
by a short Remembrance Service at the Stotfold Cemetery War Memorial to
mark the end of World War Two. The service was concluded with the lighting
of the Cemetery Beacon.
VJ DAY 70 — ARLESEY
REMEMBERS
The Stotfold & Arlesey Branch of the Royal British Legion also attended
the Sunday Morning Worship at St. Peter’s Church, Arlesey on the 16th
August 2015. The service was conducted by Revd. Geoffrey Boult and we
remembered those who served and those who were a casualty in the Far
East campaign.
8 |
September 2015
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Press Article written by
David Langridge, Branch
Secretary, Stotfold &
Arlesey Branch of The
Royal British Legion.
Images: E