Remembrance is very important to our village and each year local people come out to honour those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. Come rain or shine, the one thing that can be guaranteed is that Henfield people will gather together, with poppies on their coats and uniforms, to stand in silence for two minutes at the War Memorial in Cagefoot Lane.
After a Service of Remembrance at St Peter’s Church on 10th November, the parade returned, led by Brighton and Hove City Brass Band. Clergy from all Henfield Churches contributed to a short service at the War Memorial.
In glorious autumn sunshine the names of all soldiers listed on the war memorial were read aloud. Hymns were sung and the Last Post sounded. Children from Guiding and Scouting organisations, Henfield Youth Club and St Peter’s School represented their groups by laying poppy wreaths, which joined those from our local services; Fire, Police, HART responders and the Royal British Legion amongst others. It was very moving to see George Swalwell, who featured on the November 18 BN5 cover and celebrated his 100th birthday this year, stand up from his chair and with some assistance lay a wreath on behalf of The Merchant Navy Association.
We would also like to mention Bob Reynolds. You may have seen Bob standing outside Budgens collecting for the Poppy Appeal this year, as he always does. Henfield people filled three of his collection pots, he stood in all weathers and chatted to everyone. Thank you, Bob, the great work of the Royal British Legion continues because of collectors like you.
Emma Osman
