Woodley residents pay their respects on Remembrance Sunday
Over two thousand local residents gathered at Woodley Memorial Recreation Ground on Sunday 11 November, to commemorate 100 years since the end of WWI and to remember those who have fallen.
Woodley Town Council and St John the Evangelist Church led a commemoration service and were joined by Woodley Army and Air Cadets and the 5th Woodley Scouts, who all marched to the Memorial across Woodford Park.
The Exhortation to the Fallen was read by a member of the Army Cadets, while the Kohima Epitaph was read by Town Councillor Brian Franklin. The Rolls of Honour of both World Wars were read by St John’s parishioner David Crane, followed by a prayer led by Rev Eddie Márquez-Picón, of St John’s. The laying of wreaths was led by Woodley Town Mayor, Councillor Sam Rahmouni.
Following the commemoration, tea, coffee and cake was served in the Oakwood Centre by Woodley Central WI, with cakes donated by the team, Addington School and Richard Lloyd Funeral Services. Music, poetry and footage from WWI, as well as a display of WWI images provided by Museum of Berkshire Aviation was also available at the Centre, alongside work from local schools and local Girl Guides. Woodley Flower Club donated beautiful flower displays, while Woodley Carnival Committee provided additional support.
The Council has been delighted to receive very positive feedback about the day and would like to extend its thanks to all those who attended and contributed.
Woodley schools’ memorial ceremony
Prior to the event, local Woodley schools held a memorial service at the Woodley Memorial Recreation Ground on Friday 9 November, accompanied by Woodley Town Mayor Sam Rahmouni and Deputy Mayor David Stares.
MP Matt Rodda pays his respects
Separately, MP for Reading East, Matt Rodda paid his respects at Woodley’s Memorial on Tuesday 13 November, joined by Woodley Council Leader Keith Baker. Unfortunately, Mr Rodda had been unable to attend the memorial in Woodley on Sunday 11 November due to a prior commitment at the remembrance event in Reading.