VILLAGERS young and old gathered at the Rowledge war memorial on Remembrance Sunday to pay their respects to the parish’s war dead.

The memorial cross in Cherry Tree Road commemorates the 41 Rowledge residents who perished in the First World War and a further six who died in the Second World War.

Reverend Russell Gant, the new vicar of Rowledge led the service and Hannah Acworth played The Last Post and The Reveille on the cornet either side of the traditional two-minute silence at 11am.

Lance Corporal Chris Naughton of the Princess of Wales Royal Regiment (PWRR) read the greeting, and the choir was led by John Cotton.

Wreaths were laid on behalf of PWRR, St James’ Church, Rowledge Methodist Church, Waverley, Farnham, Binsted and East Hants councils, Rowledge Guides, Brownies, Rainbows, Rangers, Cubs, Beavers and Scouts, and St James’ Children’s Church.

Binsted Parish Council paid for the refurbishment of the memorial this year and the service was also an opportunity to commentate its rededication.

Following the rededication, Rev Gant said: “It was indeed a moving service and it remains a huge privilege for me to conduct the Remembrance Day commemorations.”