The new Armed Services Memorial at Wyre Forest Crematorium & Cemetery.
Wyre Forest Crematorium commemorates outbreak of World War One
Wyre Forest Crematorium & Cemetery held a Commemoration Service on Monday 4 August to mark the 100th anniversary of the start of World War One. The event was organised to give the local community and its dignitaries the chance to pay their respects to those who fought and died in the war.
The event was well attended, with around 80 people present on the significant date. Members of the Royal British Legion from Stourport were in attendance, as well as local scout groups, representatives from Help for Heroes military charity, staff from local funeral directors and members of the public. Three dignitaries also attended the event; Chairman of Wyre Forest District Council, Cllr Stephen Williams, Mayor of Stourport, Cllr Cliff Brewer, and Mayor of Kidderminster, Cllr Michael Price.
The service was conducted by local minister, Alex Vaccaro of Kidderminster Parish Church Team which was held within the Crematorium’s chapel. During the service there were readings, poem recitals and three hymns were sang to represent the three generations that have passed over the 100 years since the start of World War One.
Kate Matthews of Wyre Forest Crematorium & Cemetery said: “The service was poignant and moving and we were pleased to offer the local community the opportunity to reflect on such an important day and to pay their last respects to the fallen.” Kate added: “We hope it will be the first of many services to take place at our new Armed Service Memorial.”
The Dedication of the new Armed Services Memorial took place after the service. The Memorial is made up of three rocks representing the RAF, Navy and Army and a fourth with a Memorial Plaque which reads, “Dedicated to the men and women who served their country. Lest we forget.” The Dedication Service included “The Last Post” and a two minute silence, before ending with the National Anthem. Light refreshments were available afterwards and there was the opportunity for all to reflect on what was a very special and poignant day.
Other Stories
- Bradford branch commemorates 125 years service to the community D Walsh & Son in Bradford recently held a Service of Re-dedication to celebrate the business’ 125th anniversary.
- VIP’s visit J H Kenyon for Churchill funeral lecture The Rt. Hon Sir Nicholas Soames, MP, was guest of honour at a lecture at J H Kenyon's Westbourne Grove offices on 13 October 2015 recalling the firm’s involvement with the death and funeral of his grandfather, Sir Winston Churchill, fifty years ago.
- Donation to support bereavement counsellors Regional manager for North London, John Laker, recently presented a cheque for £1,000 on behalf of Dignity to support CARIS Islington, a charity that provides a bereavement counselling service for vulnerable people.
- Dignity is a Big Hoot in Sutton Coldfield This summer, Dignity sponsored an owl for The Big Hoot, a massive art project that took place across Birmingham for ten weeks.
- South East Regional Awards celebrate best business practice Members of the management team from across the South East Region gathered at the Deans Place Hotel in Alfriston on Wednesday 10 June for the sixth South East Regional Awards.
- New Fleet for business acquisition In October 2014, long established Cheltenham funeral directors, W S Trenhaile, joined Dignity, bringing with it their beautiful premises, a converted church school. Dignity has now complemented this with investment in a new Binz hearse and limousine, supplied by Superior Automotive.