FARNHAM Castle played a key part in Battle’s Over, an international commemoration marking 100 years since the guns fell silent at the end of the First World War, on Remembrance Sunday.
Organised by Pageant Master Bruno Peek, Battle’s Over took place at venues throughout the UK, and at scores of locations overseas including New Zealand, Ireland, Australia, France, Belgium, Canada, the US and Germany.
At 6.55pm, buglers sounded out the Last Post at more than 1,000 locations across the UK including Farnham’s very own castle where it was Kevin Edwards of the Alder Valley Brass Band who performed this moving piece of music.
At 7pm, a beacon at the top of the castle keep was lit by the Mayor of Waverley, Denise Le Gal, and her Farnham counterpart David Attfield in a tribute called Beacons of Light, signifying the light of peace that emerged from the darkness of four years of war.
Then, at 7.05pm, Farnham Castle’s gatehouse bells joined more than 1,000 church and cathedrals bells around the country as part of Ringing Out for Peace.
Once the bells had fallen silent, Farnham Town Council clerk Iain Lynch read out specially-written Cry for Peace Around the World.
The event was attended by more than 100 local dignitaries and all agreed the evening was poignant and perfectly fitting to commemorate 100 years since the end of the First World War.
Kelly Mole, head of events at Farnham Castle, said: “We are proud to have been chosen to play a part in this historic international event to commemorate the centenary of the end of the Great War, and to recognise the contribution and sacrifice made by the men and women from our own community.”
After the formalities, guests enjoyed refreshments in the Stone Hall and Lantern Hall of Farnham Castle, the award-winning wedding and events venue.