GALLERY: Hundreds turn out to show their support as Soham marks 100 years since Britain entered the Great War.
The drum head service carried out at the Walter Gidney Pavilion. Picture: ELIZABETH JOHNSTON - Credit: Archant
Organisers of the Soham Commemorates event say they were “overwhelmed” by the support shown as more than 1,200 people turned out to take part.
Re-enactors arrange First World War artefacts. Picture: ELIZABETH JOHNSTON - Credit: Archant
The event was held on Sunday to mark 100 years since Britain declared war on Germany, formally entering the First World War, while acknowledging the role Soham and its inhabitants played in the conflict.
The day began with a parade of veterans, scouts, beavers, brownies and cadets who led the way onto Soham’s recreation ground for a drum head service, carried out by St Andrew’s Church curate, Rev Sue Simpson.
There was then a feast of festivities for visitors to enjoy, including music, re-enactments, displays and memorabilia.
Liz Johnston, a member of the organising committee, said: “We sat back with wide eyes and open mouths, it excelled all of our expectations.
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“When you organise something you just hope and pray that one person will turn up but they came in their hundreds, the recreation ground was absolutely packed. The support was fantastic.”
The event was organised by the 1914-2014 Committee, made up of members of Soham Town Council, the Royal British Legion, Soham Heritage and Tourism and Soham Town Forum, among others.
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The committee has been hard at work completing a publication the go with the event, called A Soham Man’s War, which will set a timeline of the conflict against back life in Soham as well as documenting the fate of the men from the town who served.
Mrs Johnston said it is expected the publication will be complete in the coming weeks.
