This last Sunday saw the re-dedication of the War Memorial in Horndean following the installation of the new Goddess Nike which had been absent for 50 years following a freak car accident.
The weather thankfully remained dry for the crowd of approaching 700.
Dame Mary Fagan DCVO JP, Lord Lieutenant of Hampshire, was our Guest of Honor and was joined by the Archdeacon of Portsdown the Venerable Joanne Grenfell, several senior officers from the Armed Forces, and our own Vice Admiral Sir Geoffrey Dalton KCB.
The event was supported by Blendworth Brass Band, local youth groups and Horndean Junior School. Cllr Schillemore also ensured the day held several surprises including Period vehicles, air raid siren, VE day newspapers and people in period costume mingling with the audience. Prior to the start of the ceremony a rendition of war time speeches from King George, Chamberlain and Churchill and period music entertained the crowd. A war time bus also ferried visitors and veterans to Merchistoun Hall who were kind enough to host the after service refreshments.
Sincere thanks must go to the several private donors whose generous contributions to the fund made this possible.
Sincere thanks also go to the local Parish Councillors who worked so hard to make this happen.