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.
Local Events
Sandy Royal British Legion Parade Sunday 3 August 2014
Sandy Royal British Legion held a parade to commemorate the start of the First World War and those who gave their lives during this dreadful time in history.
10.00am - Muster in Swan Lane
10.30am - Parade from Swan Lane to War Memorial on Bedford Road for unveiling of Centenary plaque
10.45am - Parade to St Swithun's Church for Church Service, Bedford Road to High Street via Bedford Road Roundabout
The parade concluded at St Swithun's Church.
Sandy Royal British Legion Lights Out Monday 4 August 2014
The Royal British Legion encouraged everyone in the UK to turn off their lights between 10pm and 11pm on 4 August 2014 – leaving only a single light or candle for this symbolic act of reflection and hope.
Sandy Royal British Legion met at the War Memorial on Bedford Road to remember more than a million Commonwealth Service personnel who lost their lives in the First World War.
See the following link for more information about this event: www.britishlegion.org.uk/remembrance/ww1-centenary/lights-out
Sandy and the Great War Tuesday 4 November 2014
Talk from local historian and author Steve Fuller about different local aspects of the Great War. This included stories about the many men who joined up and who came from Sandy and the surrounding villages and about the many that were never to return. We also heard about the home front and the local Bedfordshire Regiment.
It is poignant to point out that Sandy was then a large village of 3,330 souls and by 1918 it lost 126 men in the War to end all Wars.
Venue: Sandy Baptist Church Hall, Bedford Road, Sandy at 7.30pm.
Cost: £5.50 per person
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