Sandy’s World War I Commemorations
One hundred years on from the outbreak of the First World War, we are all connected with this significant event. Some of us are connected through our own family histories, and the heritage of our community but all of us are influenced by the impact this war had on the world and on the society we live in today.
Communities across the world have participated in commemorative events and Sandy is no different. In August 2014 there was a commemorative service and parade to mark the outbreak of the war. A plaque marking the centenary was put up near our public war memorial and an interpretation board was also installed in Bedford Road. The RNBL (Sandy Branch) will be spearheading the commemorations but other groups and local schools also marked the occasion in some way.
In 2018 the Town Council will be commemorating 100 years since the end of WW1 by hosting a series our WW1 talks and participating in Novembers 'A Nations Tribute'. The Council are also inviting members of the public to sponsor lamp post poppies along the route of the Annual Day Procession.
The Bedfordshire Regiment in the Great War Talks
During 2018 the Town Council held a series of talks by local historian Steve Fuller as part of its efforts to commemorate 100 years since the end of WW1.
'With our backs to the wall' Tuesday 3 April 2018
Talk from local historian and author Steve Fuller about operation Michael, March 1918. The Bedfordshire Regiment during the 1918 Spring Offensives.
" Hurry up Quint, we're liable to blow up at any Minute" Wednesday 2nd May 2018
Talk from local historian and author Steve Fuller about stories from the Bedfordshire Regiment in the Great War.
Seven VC's for the Sixteenth Foot Wednesday 6 June 2018
Talk from local historian and author Steve Fuller about the Victoria Cross stories of the Bedfordshire Regiment.
'This is a nasty business' Wednesday 5 September 2018
Talk from local historian and author Steve Fuller about the 100 days Offensives of 1918. The Bedfordshire Regiment during the final offensives of the war.
An unexpected find Wednesday 3 October 2018
Talk from local historian and author Steve Fuller about Lieutenant Walter Graves of Sandye Place. His story, a surprise discovery and a trip to Ypres.
'We will remember them' Tuesday 6 November 2018
Talk from local historian and author Steve Fuller about the Sandy War memorial. Some of the stories hidden in the memorial's stone.
You can find out more about other centenary events and about the history of the First World War by visiting these sites:
First World War Centenary Partnership
Government World War Centenary
Imperial War Museum
BBC World War I Centenary
Sponsor a Lamp Post Poppy
As part of its efforts to commemorate the centenary of WW1 ending Sandy Town Council placed lamp post poppies along the route of the Annual Remembrance Day Procession. The poppies were installed in Autumn 2018. Members of the public generously sponosored poppies and left messages of remembrance which have been recorded on the Town Council's website.
By sponsoring one of these large poppies residents and businesses helped ‘bring life’ to the route of the Annual Remembrance Day Procession through Sandy and helped Sandy Town Council commemorate 100 years since the end of WW1.
A full list of the messages of remembrance can be found be following the below link;
Messages of remembrance