MORE than 250 people attended the Drumhead Remembrance Service, run by the Fovant Badges Society, on Sunday July 7.
It was a very moving service, held at East Farm in Fovant and led by Reverend Colin Fox, with standard bearers attending from The Royal British Legion.
Wiltshire Army Cadet Corps and St John Ambulance provided invaluable help and Shaftesbury Town Band played magnificently throughout the day.
Chair of the society Jose Green said: “In spite of the inclement weather we had a good congregation and that our heartfelt thanks go to one and all.
"It’s very humbling that this unique service continues to play a role in this troubled world.”
Fovant Badges Trustees with the President of the Society, General Sir Nick Parker (1st left), Chair of FBS Jose Green (centre) and the High Sheriff of Wiltshire, Olivia Chapple. (Image: Fovant Badges Society)
The Fovant Badges are a unique and historical feature in the Wiltshire landscape, originally cut into the chalk hillside during the First World War by troops stationed there. Not many badges have survived, however, seven can still be seen, and are a visible record of the importance of the area during this period.
Each year, since 1961, a Drumhead Remembrance Service has been held by the Fovant Badges Society at East Farm, courtesy of the landowner Mr Ed Williams. The service takes place on the first Sunday in July, which is the closest to July 1, the first day of the Battle of the Somme in 1916.
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