FARNHAM will again fall silent next month as the town pauses to reflect on those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the name of their country.

The town’s usual Armistice Day commemoration attended by local schools will take place a day earlier this year on Friday, November 10 at the Gostrey Meadow war memorial, followed by the traditional Remembrance Sunday parade and service on Sunday, November 12.

Organised by the British Legion and Farnham Town Council, the parade is an opportunity for the community to come together to reflect and remember those who lost their lives while serving in the armed forces.

The event will begin with the Mayor of Farnham, Mike Hodge and local dignitaries joining the parade and assembling at the war memorial for 10.45am. At 11am, everybody will pause for a two-minute silence which will be followed by the Last Post and the laying of wreaths.

After the service, representatives from the services, armed services and youth organisations will take part in a march past. The salute will be taken outside Farnham Town Council’s office in South Street by the Mayor of Farnham and visiting dignitaries including Vice Lord Lieutenant Bill Biddell.

The mayor, Mr Hodge said: “Last year, we saw a record number of people lining Farnham’s streets to watch the march past. The Remembrance Sunday parade offers an opportunity for people to come together for community-wide reflection.”

The morning will conclude with a service at St Andrew’s Church to which everybody is invited to attend.

At the November 10 event, Mr Hodge will be joined in Gostrey Meadow by students from up to 18 local schools and Deputy Lieutenant of Surrey, Hugh Riley to pay their respects.

The Armistice Day service will begin with a number of readings by older pupils. This will be followed by members of the Royal British Legion marching to the war memorial.

As the clock strikes 11am, the branch standard will be lowered and a two-minute silence will be observed. The students will then be invited to place wooden crosses on the memorial.

The schools are members of The Farnham Schools’ Confederation, which is a partnership of 18 local schools.

The Armistice Day commemoration can be attended by anybody who wishes to take part in an act of remembrance. 

Other Remembrance Day services on November 11 where a wreath will be laid by local councillors on behalf of the town will be held at Badshot Lea, Hale, Rowledge, St Thomas on the Bourne, St Peter’s at Wrecclesham, and Weybourne.