On the eve of the Armistice Centenary, on the evening of Saturday 10 November between 7:00 and 9:30 pm the Town Council will be hosting a special commemmorative event, a ‘Roll of Honour’, which will be a tribute to the people of Marlborough and the part they played in the Great War.
A number of families of those who served, so many of whom lost their lives, have been involved in bringing together details of their loved ones and piecing together their brave journeys and special stories.
There will be a photographic exhibition on loan from Marlborough History Society, songs from the era sung by children performing with the Marlborough Academy of Dance & Drama as well as a ‘Roll of Honour’ where the names of the fallen will be read out by members of the Town Council, the Royal British Legion and the 4thMilitary Intelligence Battalion.
A special commemorative programme has been printed (cover displayed above) which sets out information about those from Marlborough who served their country and sacrificed so much. The evening will include presentations by Town Councillors on some of these extraordinary people. For example, Elsie Knocker who grew up in Marlborough and became a nurse and who, along with friend, Mairi Chisholm, treated soldiers just yards from frontline trenches. Both were awarded the Military Medal and the Order of St John and became amongst the most photographed women of the war and recently appeared on Royal Mail commemorative stamps.
Town Mayor of Marlborough, Councillor Lisa Farrell, said “This will be one of the most poignant moments of my mayoral year. It is a commemoration, of course, but also a celebration of those from Marlborough whom we want to remember and respect. All are, whatever part they played, our very own heroes.”
Mark Garside, who will be attending the event and is the grandson of Corporal George Garside who fought in the Battle of the Somme and was awarded a Distinguished Conduct Medal by HM King George V, said: “My family is delighted to have been involved in this commemorative evening, such an important occasion to reflect on how much the people of Marlborough sacrificed for their country and, of course, for Marlborough.”
Entry to the event will be £5 and all receipts will be going to the Royal British Legion.
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