Edwinstowe village was able to return to some form of normality in 2021 for its Remembrance Sunday events, when several hundred residents and families gathered to remember those who fell in war. The Edwinstowe branch of the Royal British Legion wish to thank everyone who attended. This year there were some precautions for those attending the church service at St Mary’s and a restriction was imposed on those allowed to attend the church service, but in the open air the village came together once more and, led by the wonderful Thoresby Band, nearly 200 marched between King Edwin School and the Memorial Garden to pay their respects.
Once again, the younger members of the community marched with pride, with over 130 Scouts, Guides, Brownies, Cubs and Rainbows being the most prominent component of the march. There was also uniformed presence from Royal Navy, Army, RAF and cadet personnel, as well as the fire brigade and the veterans. The event was also attended by the Deputy Lieutenant and the MP for Sherwood and, despite the earlier shower on Sunday morning, the weather stayed bright and dry.
The Royal British Legion members in the village wish to record their thanks to Reverend Richard Ford who provided a poignant remembrance service, Simon Ford for the media stream and photographs, the Thoresby Band for another impeccable performance, Walter Dalgleish for playing Last Post, the local Fire Service personnel and especially to those members of the community who observed sensible precautions. There are lots of pictures on social media for those who did not see the gathering on the day. It is estimated that over 600 people attended and the memorial garden shows a lasting picture of the many wreaths that were laid on the day.
More than 180 uniquely painted pebbles created by Edwinstowe residents for Remembrance Day, were also displayed in Edwinstowe.
In a project organised by Carol Hallam, Community and Volunteer Development Officer at RSPB Sherwood Forest, who collected the pebbles from the world-famous National Nature Reserve, villagers took part in painting sessions which were held at Edwinstowe House and outside the Co-op store during October. Pupils from King Edwin Primary School and girls from the 2nd Edwinstowe Rainbows and Brownies painted their own designs in class or at their pack meetings, as did members of the Edwinstowe Merry Women Women’s Institute.
Each pebble has been varnished to protect its artwork from the elements and was placed either at the Edwinstowe village War Memorial or the RSPB Sherwood Forest Visitor Centre ahead of Remembrance Sunday, in memory of those from the local community who have given their lives in conflict.
As well as the traditional red poppies and the unmistakeable image of the Unknown Soldier, purple poppies, honouring animals who were killed in action, have been painted by schoolchildren and members of organisations in the village.
Carol said: “This has been a real community effort and a chance for people to show their gratitude for those who gave their lives to serve our nation.
“Thank you to all the individuals and groups for creating such an amazing display of artwork, to Edwinstowe House and the Co-op for hosting our community sessions and to the Edwinstowe branch of the Royal British Legion, Edwinstowe Parish Council, Newark and Sherwood District Council and RSPB Sherwood Forest for supporting the project.”
Jane Chapman, Assistant Guider of the 2nd Edwinstowe Rainbows and Brownies, said: “All the girls, from our five-year old Rainbows to the older Brownies, were really happy to be involved and had a lovely time taking part in creating their own tributes on the pebbles.”
To find out more about Community and Volunteer opportunities with RSPB Sherwood Forest, email carol.hallam@rspb.org.uk.