Volunteers needed to help town mark the end of First World War

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TO mark 100 years since the end of the First World War, Cheltenham Borough Council is looking for volunteers to take part in a community memorial walk.

The town lost more 1,200 servicemen and servicewomen in the war and the council is inviting residents and their families to represent one or more of the names on the central Cheltenham war memorial in Cheltenham’s Promenade.

The march will take place from 1.30pm on Saturday, November 10, and follow a one mile route through town at a gentle pace.

The march will leave Sandford Park at 1.30pm and walk through the town centre, passing the war memorial, and finish in Montpellier Gardens where there will be a short service of remembrance.

Each participant will carry the details - and photo where available - of one of the named casualties on the war memorial.

Louise Forey, participation and engagement team leader at the borough council, said: “Please join us to show that ‘Cheltenham Remembers’.

“Our aim is to have a representative on the march for every service man and woman that was lost.

“This is such a powerful and visual way to represent and thank those who gave so much for us.

“We’d like to encourage individuals, families, schools and local groups to get involved and so that we reach our target number of 1,200 participants. Please help spread the word in any way you can so that we can make this a truly memorable event.

“For those who don’t wish to march we encourage you to come and show your support along the route.”

For more details and to register for a place visit eventbrite.co.uk/e/chelt enham-remembers-ww1-memorialmarch-tickets-49890692404

There wil be a rolling road closure for the duration of the event but traffic should not be impacted for more than a maximum of 30 minutes.

Councillor Flo Clucas, cabinet member for healthy lifestyles, says: “We want these commemorative events to be a fitting tribute to those who gave so much and recall their heroism, self-sacrifice and service.”

The final commemoration event takes place from 5pm to 8pm on November 11 with a special projection which will light up the Municipal Offices on the Promenade. This powerful, thought provoking and poignant experience will show First World War imagery and sound to mark the 100 years since the signing of the Armistice and the 15 minute projection will be shown every half hour from 5pm

More information about the programme of events taking place can be found on the website cheltenhamremembers.org.uk

Please note that under 16’s are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult.