A MOVING commemoration in flowers at Haslemere’s St Christopher’s Church – to mark the centenary of the end of the Great War – was attended by more than 500 people over the weekend.
Entitled ‘Haslemere Remembers’, the impressive displays – including a giant poppy wreath – orchestrated by a seven-strong committee, were created as a labour of love by groups and individuals in and around the town.
Committee member and former Haslemere Mayor Sahran Abeysundara said: “The festival was received even better than we had hoped for.
“We had large crowds visiting from Haslemere and beyond, some of whom had never been to St Christopher’s Church before.
“The organising committee felt we had achieved our goal as we saw the crowds react to the displays and how emotionally moved they were by what they saw.
“We wanted to use the art of flower-arranging to tell a story, the story of brave young men who fought for their King and country.
“Each arrangement was inspired by a war poem, some that questioned war itself, others that depicted the reality of war, and some that gave us hope for the future.
“It was truly wonderful to see our community come together, different churches and organisations, youth groups and adults all working together to honour and remember the sacrifice made by residents of Haslemere in the Great War.
“We felt proud that Haslemere had not forgotten those who forged the path for the freedoms we enjoy today.”
The festival was free to attend on Saturday and Sunday, but more than £3,120 was donated to the Royal British Legion by those visiting.
Flower arranging groups took part from five other churches: St Bartholomew’s and Our Lady of Lourdes, in Haslemere, St Stephen’s in Shottermill, St Paul’s in Camelsdale and All Saints at Grayswood.
They were joined by village groups from Hammer and Lynchmere, plus Haslemere Educational Museum, Blackdown and Hindhead supporters of the National Trust and Haslemere Society, and the town’s Flower Club.
Two of the town’s professional florists – Melissa King from Marley Flowers and Michelle Pellow from The Flower Boutique – also took part.
Displays spanned all ages, from residents of Moorlands Lodge, who incorporated a model boat, and 2nd Shottermill Brownies and Break Out Thursday Youth Club, who arranged the greenery around the tomb.
A highlight for many, was the choral evensong with a poignant address by Haslemere rector the Rev Mary Bowden and readings of war poems.
The choir was led by Tim Dutton and accompanied by Clive Osgood on the organ.
A tribute to some of Surrey’s soldiers that fell in the Great War with short biographies was created in the garden.