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
'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.
All talks will be held at Sandy Town Council, 10 Cambridge Road, Sandy, SG19 1JE and will start at 7.30pm.
Tickets cost £2.50 per ticket and are available from Sandy Town Council. www.bedfordregiment.org.uk
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 will be placing lamp post poppies along the route of the Annual Remembrance Day Procession. The poppies will be installed in summer to 2018. Members of the public are invited to sponosor poppies and leave a message of remembrance which will be recorded on the Town Council's website.
By sponsoring one of these large poppies for £3 you will help ‘bring life’ to the route of the Annual Remembrance Day Procession through Sandy and help Sandy Town Council commemorate 100 years since the end of WW1.
Forms for sponsoring a poppy can be found by following the link below. Forms should be returned to Sandy Town Council's office at 10 Camrbidge Road, Sandy, SG19 1JE with the the £3 sponsorship.
Sponsorship Form - Lamp Post Poppies