Image: Tony Margiocchi
The War
Memorial
A
n outstanding landmark in the town, is our memorial, and with
Remembrance Sunday this month it is maybe a reminder that it is
there to commemorate those who ‘gave their all’ in both world wars.
The memorial was constructed after the first world war when it
was decided there should be a memorial to remember the fallen. The
information below was extracted from minutes of the Arlesey Parish
Council from 1923 and were compiled by ex-councilor Mrs Doreen Rix.
At a Parish Meeting in 1923 parishioners included The Lamplighter,
Representatives of the War Memorial Committee, members of the Parish
Council and members of the public. The topic of installing a Memorial to
the war dead was discussed. Subscriptions for this purpose amounted to
£17.12s.6d (seventeen pounds, twelve shillings and sixpence).
A plan was submitted which was accepted. The cost less the two bases
could amount to £200. The Chase site was chosen, near to the Chestnut
tree, the Clerk was instructed to place the order with Mr. Borrowdale.
the soldier
The image of the soldier reflects uniform of the first
world war and is at the ceremonial stance of ‘reverse
arms’ with the SMLE rifle.
10.02.23
The Chestnut tree to be felled to make room for the new War Memorial.
The sum of £10.00 was donated by W. F. Beart. Messrs. Tidnam offered
to provide fencing around the Memorial.
01.05.23
Procession to meet on the bridge at 2.30p.m. To include the War Memorial
committee, Ex-servicemen Arlesey Silver Band, Nursing Sister, Women’s
Institute, Friendly Society, Cricket Club, Football Club. School children
and Ambulance United Choirs to lead the singing. The unveiling is to be
performed by Captain Lucas of Shillington. The lesson to be read by Dr.
Fuller, and a total of 5 hymns to be included. The Roll of Honour to be
read by F. C. Levitt followed by two minutes silence. Dedication to be
by Rev. Mayhew.
Transfer of the Memorial to the keeping of the Parish Council to then take
place by R. C. Lucas. Acceptence of this to be by W. J. Crawley Chairman
to the Parish Council. Then a hymn. Reveille and the Last Post.
Roll of Honour
The Roll of Honour for the men who served in the first world war is inscribed
on the east and west faces of the memorial, and the men who served in the
second world war on the northern face. There is also a plaque in St. Peter’s
church with a Roll of Honour.
A website dedicated to those who fell in both world wars can be viewed at:
www.roll-of-honour.com/Bedfordshire/ArleseyRollofHonour.html
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November 2012
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above: Postcard of ‘The Chase’ Arlesey, the building is Arleseybury Lodge, which
stood at the top of The Chase to the west of the High Street. The image was taken
before construction and shows the Chestnut tree on almost the same spot.
right: This image is of a ceremony at the memorial and is dated 15th July 1923
– the same year it was erected.
Both images come from a collection of postcards owned by ex-councillor
Mrs Doreen Rix. Part of the collection can be seen on the website:
www.onthebuttonarlesey.co.uk/photos.html
Remembrance Sunday
Sunday 11th November
Morning Praise at St Peter’s Church 10.00am
Remembrance Service at War Memorial 3.00pm
to advertise telephone: 01462 834265 or go to the website: www.onthebuttonarlesey.co.uk