Bridport Town Council is hosting an event on Remembrance Sunday for relatives of those who lost their lives in the war.
The search is on for descendants of the 151 service personnel from Bridport who were killed in the First World War. As part of the 2018 commemoration of the centenary of the end of the war, the town council has organised a themed afternoon tea for descendants of the fallen. The event at Bridport Town Hall on 11 November gives an opportunity for Bridport to honour the sacrifice made, and to bring together their descendants bound by the town’s heritage but who might not otherwise have any connection.
Town Clerk Will Austin appealed for any information about the families, some of whom may live far from Bridport.
“We have already found relatives living as far away as Cambridge, and I expect that some may even be living abroad. We hope that the power of the internet and social media will mean that the word gets round and that relatives will join us to remember and to give thanks.”
Mr Austin asks anyone with information to contact the town council on 01308 456722 or by email enquiries@bridport-tc.gov.uk.
The event will see tea served by helpers in period costume, with live period music and poetry, and all family members will receive a commemorative book published by the Bridport Heritage Forum. Those present will also see the unveiling of a commemorative memorial plaque and clock at the town hall.
The event forms part of a range of commemorative activities marking 100 years since the end of WWI.
On the Sunday, the annual Remembrance Parade and Service will take place from approximately 10.40am. Later in the day, from 6.15pm outside the town council offices at Mountfield, Rax Lane, soup will be served by the Bridport Local Food Group, accompanied by period music.
From 6.45pm on Coneygar Hill, as part of the national commemoration, there will be a ceremony including playing of The Last Post and the lighting of a beacon on the hilltop. Throughout the day the ‘Poppy Rope’ made by local schools and organisations will feature in Bucky Doo Square, and the town’s ‘silent soldier’ can be seen on the nearby west wall of the town hall.
Mr Austin said a lot of work had gone into preparing for Remembrance in 2018.
“We’ve worked with the Royal British Legion, the parish church and many other community groups and individuals, so that Remembrance this year will pay a fitting tribute to those who did not return from battle 100 years ago. We also want this year to renew our commitment to Remembrance, so that their sacrifice is never forgotten.”
