Events to mark 100 years since end of Great War

A series of poignant events are planned in Charnwood to mark 100 years since the end of World War One.

Charnwood Borough Council is co-ordinating and supporting the events on Sunday November 11, 2018 and is calling on residents to get involved.

One of the focal points will be a full-size replica warhorse, covered with poppies made by local children, which will make a journey from Charnwood Museum to the town centre.

There will also be events in Loughborough town centre, including a live showcase plus a big screen, a tea dance at Loughborough Town Hall as well as the annual Remembrance Day parade ending with a service at the Carillon where thousands of poppies will cascade from the top.

A new Charnwood Heritage Plaque will also be unveiled in the Market Place as a lasting reminder of the troops who gathered there before heading off for the Great War. A beacon will also be lit in Queen’s Park.

The Mayor of Charnwood, Cllr Christine Harris, said: “We shall never forget the sacrifices made by previous generations to ensure we retained our freedom.

“As this year marks 100 years since the end of the Great War we are planning a series of events which we believe will be a fitting tribute to those who gave their lives.”

The Council is currently looking for an artist to create a full-size horse in memory of Songster – a warhorse from Loughborough who served between 1914 and 1918 and remarkably made it back to the town safely.

It is said Songster was a handsome, intelligent chestnut gelding who survived many trials and tribulations and received several medals for his bravery. The deadline for applications is June 11, 2018.

The Council is also interested in hearing from groups and people around the borough about what they are doing to mark the end of World War One. All events can be promoted on the Council’s website and via social media. Simply email events@charnwood.gov.uk.

The events on November 11 will include:

• the annual Remembrance Day parade in Loughborough with the Royal British Legion and other local groups, ending with a service at the Carillon Tower in Queen’s Park with the traditional, poignant cascade of poppies
• the unveiling of a Charnwood Heritage Plaque in Loughborough Market Place as a lasting reminder of the troops who gathered there before going to war
• a live showcase event in the Market Place plus a big screen showing footage which pays respect to those in Charnwood affected by the war
• a tea dance at Loughborough Town Hall
• a procession of Songster and in the run-up to the day children will make poppies to decorate the life-size model horse
• the lighting of a beacon in Queen’s Park at 7pm as part of a nationwide beacon-lighting scheme. Beacons were lit after the war to symbolise the ‘light of hope’ that emerged from the darkness after the four long years of war.
• a recital at the Carillon just after 7pm when church bells across the country are being urged to join a national peal of bells
• the Sock Gallery at Loughborough Town Hall will also be hosting a family workshop to create a memorial quilt inspired by World War One souvenir cards.

There will also be a range of commemorative exhibitions and workshops in Charnwood Museum and Loughborough Town Hall in the run-up to the day.

For more information, please visit www.charnwood.gov.uk/ww1