Colwich Parish Great War Commemoration
The Parish of Colwich marked the centenary of the outbreak of the First World War with two events on 2nd and 3rd August – an Exhibition in Great Haywood Memorial Hall and a Vigil Service (‘The Eve of War’) in St. Stephen’s Church, Great Haywood. The two-day Exhibition was extremely successful and very well attended. It concentrated on the contribution of local people to the Great War, especially those men who died in the conflict. There were contributions from local schools and churches, clubs and organisations as well as from others including the Staffordshire Yeomanry, the South Staffordshire Regimental Association, Ingestre Local History Society and Rugeley Phoenix Club. Several displays illustrated different aspects of the war including trench warfare, conditions in the trenches, women at war and the war in the air. On the Cannock Chase Camps there were interesting models of the Tackeroo Railway (made by the Haywoods Permanent Way model group) and the Brocton Camp Bakery (made by the Doll’s House Club of Stafford). There were two displays on J.R.R.Tolkien who spent much of the War stationed on Cannock Chase or living in Great Haywood, one by local historian David Robbie, the other by Penkridge Library. The Exhibition also provided an opportunity for local residents to tell the stories of their family members during the War and these proved very popular. The Exhibition was visited on Saturday by the Deputy Mayor and Mayoress of Stafford (Tony and Denise Holmes) and on the Sunday by Jeremy Lefroy M.P. and his wife Janet, and by the Mayor and Mayoress of Stafford (Ray and Frances Sutherland).
Jeremy and Janet Lefroy commented: ‘A wonderful exhibition into which a huge amount of work and talent has been invested by so many from the Parish. Many congratulations.’
Ray and Frances Sutherland commented: ‘A fascinating exhibition which highlights the sacrifice made by the local community. Wonderful to see the community come together to show their appreciation.’
Some other comments: ‘An amazing exhibition. A lot of people must have worked very hard for a very long time to collate all of this, Well done!’
‘An outstanding and extremely emotional exhibition. Thank you.’
‘An informative and humbling exhibition – how lucky we are – our debt owed is immeasurable.’
‘Superb presentation – a poignant reminder of the futility of war. Not, for one moment, demeaning the chivalry, bravery and self-sacrifice of our forefathers.’
The Vigil Service – ‘The Eve of War’ – on 3rd August brought together the clergy and the residents of the Parish in St. Stephen’s. There were flag bearers representing local youth organisations, as well as the British Legion and the RNLI. The service was conducted by the Revd. Mark Davys, Revd. Dr. Steve Torr, Revd. Pam Merriott and Father Julian Booth. The church was full and guests include Jeremy Lefroy MP and Dr. Janet Lefroy, the Mayor and Mayoress of Stafford (Ray and Frances Sutherland) and borough and parish councillors. There biblical and poetic readings, hymns that would have been sung and prayers that would have been said 100 years ago. A choir from the three Parish churches sang God be in my Head by H. Walford Davies, Psalm 36 and a very moving anthem’There is a wideness in God’s mercy by Frederick W. Faber. There was also an extract played from ‘Mars, the Bringer of War’ by Gustav Holst.
Prior to the Service posies were laid on the two First World War graves and two memorials in St. Stephen’s churchyard.