War Memorial Rededication

War Memorial Rededication Service on 26th May 2018

The Village Green was filled to overflowing on Saturday, when nearly 100 people attended the rededication ceremony for our newly renovated War Memorial. Relatives of the fallen attended from all over the country, making it a truly humbling experience. The rain stopped just in time and the occasion was enhanced with the attendance of Petty Officer Chris Palucsis, bugler from the HMS Heron, Royal Navy Band and Mick Brett our newly appointed Royal British Legion Standard Bearer for our local Branch.

Wreaths were laid by Col. Tony Potter, on behalf of the Curry Rivel, Drayton and Fivehead Branch of the Royal British Legion, and Parish Council Chairwoman Kate Beacham on behalf of the Parishioners of Fivehead and Swell. Rector Scott Patterson conducted the service at the Memorial and St Martin’s Church, encouraging us to remember the sacrifices made by the 14 men from our Villages who laid down their lives for our freedoms today.

Memories and anecdotes were shared afterwards with refreshments laid on at The Crown Inn who did us proud with a delicious afternoon tea. Col. Potter told the gathered throng about the good work carried out by our local Royal British Legion Branch, supporting the 2 Somerset care homes and Kate Beacham explained the Memorial had been renovated following a grant from the War Memorials Trust and funding from the Parish Council.

A book has been published to honour the men from our Villages who fought in both Wars; ‘Fivehead’s Military Men’ by Pip Brett contains the histories of our 14 men who lost their lives and the men who fought and came home, many of them suffering lifelong injuries. It details how the Village supported 2 Belgian refugee families in Fivehead and the chequered history of our Memorial. There is still a handful of copies available (pipbrett@me.com / 01460 281115) or it can be purchased as a download, (https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/814948) with all proceeds going to the Royal British Legion.

Pip Brett

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