Battle joins chain of beacons to mark WWI anniversary

Battle will be joining other towns, villages and cities across the UK this weekend in an act of commemoration and remembrance to mark the 100th anniversary of the end of World War One.
Close-up of a bright red poppy J0037  POPPY FLOWER, GENERICClose-up of a bright red poppy J0037  POPPY FLOWER, GENERIC
Close-up of a bright red poppy J0037 POPPY FLOWER, GENERIC

A chain of one thousand beacons will be lit at 7pm on November 11, 2018 – a century after the guns fell silent.

Although homage will be paid to the fallen, service personnel and others who have survived armed conflict will be recognised, and the difficulties faced by them, their families and civilians will be reflected upon.

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The event will also commemorate the men and women on the home front who underpinned the war effort by keeping the wheels of industry turning and ensuring the nation did not starve.

The event will take place at Battle Abbey School in the Abbot’s Hall and library.

The doors will open at 5pm and the programme of poetry and music will start at 5.30pm.

A Memorial Board, listing those whose names were not included on the original board in Battle Memorial Hall, will be on display.

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At 6.40pm, guests will leave for Abbey Green where the Last Post will be played at 7pm.

A bonfire will be lit on the bullring and the Beacon of Light will be lit on the Abbey Gatehouse.

A full peel of bells will commence at St Mary’s Church to coincide the National Ring Out.

Following the celebration, Saxonwood WI will serve refreshments, provided by Battle Abbey School. The event will finish at 8pm.

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The event is free to Battle residents on a first come basis. A maximum of 300 people can be accommodated.

There will be free parking in the English Heritage car park and Blue Badge holders can park within the grounds.