Poppy Appeal:
29 October - collection boxes will be delivered to usual shops/ locations and left there until 19 November. If you happen to be away over Remembrance weekend, poppy donations are always welcome after the event!
30 October - weather permitting, Julie Jordan will have her Poppy Appeal stall in the Square.
Remembrance events:
ARMISTICE DAY Thursday 11 November - ‘Silence in the Square’ 10:50-11:05.
We foregather in the Square facing the War Memorial. Shortly before 11:00, clergy from the three churches and Legion officers gather around the War Memorial to say appropriate words, before the Exhortation is spoken leading to the two minutes silence; this is started by the St Leonard’s church clock striking 11:00. The silence is broken by the speaking of the Kohima Epitaph. A member of the clergy present will then say a short prayer of remembrance before we disperse.
12 November - 18.30 at St Leonard’s - Rehearsal for all standard bearers, escorts, and involved church staff.
REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY 14 November. The Act of Remembrance will take place at the War Memorial starting at about 10:45.
Following the St Leonard’s 10am service, the standard bearers, including those of the of the youth groups, leave the church and assemble in a semi-circle behind the War Memorial. The St Leonard’s congregation then join with those from the Baptist and Catholic churches, and other villagers in the Square facing the War Memorial. Then follows the Act of Remembrance: this consists of prayers and the reading of the Roll of Honour, prior to the Exhortation. The Last Post is then sounded as 11:00 is struck by the St Leonard’s church clock. This starts the 2-minutes silence which is then broken by the playing of the Reveille and the reciting of the Kohima Epitaph. Wreaths are then laid by The Deputy Lieutenant, Sir Tom Shebbeare, followed by the Chairman of the Parish Council, Nick Relph and others called forward by Julie Jordan. Following the Wreath Laying everyone disperses.
Mike Stephens,
Chairman - Eynsham Branch, The Royal British Legion
Details of church services on Remembrance Sunday will be published separately by the three churches. As at 25 October, it is hoped that COVID 19 restrictions will allow a return to the usual Remembrance services as far as possible.