‘Frome’s commemoration of the centenary of the First World War will begin this weekend with the unveiling of a statue, a service of reflection and a candlelit vigil.
Frome Town Council and the Frome branch of the Royal British Legion is inviting everyone to mark the beginning of the nation’s four-year commemoration of the centenary. They are also looking for ideas of how the town can commemorate the centenary.
The 4th August 2014 marks the 100th anniversary of the day Britain entered one of the costliest conflicts in history, the First World War, with fighting continuing until 11th November 1918, Armistice Day.
The Royal British Legion was founded by veterans following the conflict and will be at the forefront of the nation’s four-year period of commemoration.
Frome will be joining the global effort to commemorate, with a four-year series of events beginning this summer. On Sunday 3rd August at 3.00pm, the World War 1 soldier statue, cast at Singers Foundry in Frome, will be dedicated in its new location outside the Memorial Theatre. Uniformed and non-uniformed personnel, families, and friends of all ages will be welcome to assemble from 2.30pm. The Assembly Rooms will also be open.
On Monday 4th August at 7.00pm, St. John’s Church, Frome, will be hosting a Service of Reflection. Again, all will be welcome to the service, which will reflect both civilian and military themes.
Also on Monday 4th, between 10.00pm and 11.00pm, the group will mark the ‘One Million Lives to Remember’ with a candlelit vigil at the Memorial Theatre Garden of Remembrance.
Jane Norris, chair of the Frome Branch Royal British Legion said, “These events are simple and symbolic, yet significant, and people will be welcome to make their own dedications over the two days, and in the four years to come.
“Frome enjoys a breadth of individuals, groups and organisations. All would be welcome to contribute thoughts or ideas on how they may wish to commemorate, or reflect, on the period in 1914 – 1918, that served to change society and a way of life.”
If you have an idea for an event, contact either Laura Poulton on poultonl@frometowncouncil.gov.uk, or Jane Norris on jane.norris9@gmail.com or 07776 208531.