The Fernhurst Society
Tales from the Archives - 60
A moment for reflection
Take a walk down Church Road but instead of cutting through the churchyard, carry on along the road and pause for a moment at Fernhurst War Memorial, which was built and dedicated one hundred years ago.
In fact there are two memorials - a Rood Beam and a Tablet inside the church and a Calvary outside. They were the result of two and a half years of deliberations to ensure that the matter should have the fullest consideration and, as far as possible, meet with the wishes of the majority.
An appeal for funds was quickly launched and the Calvary was built by local builder Mr Gale to architect Mr Philip M Johnston's designs. Local stone was used and many local ex-servicemen employed. Although the magnificent sum of £704 was raised, a huge sum for a parish such as ours, costs proved higher than budget and a further £140 was needed.
At the dedication service conducted by the vicar Rev Hugh Bonsey, all the seats in the church were quickly filled for the service for the Rood Beam and Tablet. Many had to stand in the aisles and yet more had to wait outside for the dedication of the Calvary.
Since then, many Remembrance Services have taken place and many poppy wreathes laid, as Fernhurst remembers its heroes from two world wars.
If you would like to know more about this story, or research other local topics, the Archive is open on Tuesdays, 2.30-5pm in the Village Hall. Other times by arrangement.
Christine Maynard
Fernhurst ArchiveOne of a series of short articles bringing you some of the incidents from our rich village history. Collated by Christine Maynard, based on documents preserved at the Fernhurst Archives, these originally were published in the monthly Fernhurst News.
The Fernhurst Archives
Fernhurst History
