World War I Field of Remembrance to be created at Bourne Hall

Part of the borough’s commemorations for the centenary of the First World War, the field will be a temporary installation at Bourne Hall, in Spring Street, Ewell.

The field will be officially opened by Epsom’s mayor Councillor Robert Foote, and students from St Clement’s School, Ewell, on Tuesday, November 4, at 11am, for three weeks.

Funds raised by the selling of remembrance crosses will be donated to The Royal British Legion’s 2014 Poppy Appeal.

A council spokesman said members of the public are welcome to attend the opening and that, over the ensuing couple of days, remembrance crosses will be planted by children from the borough’s schools in memory of all of the 440 individuals named on its war memorials who died in the First World War.

After the field has opened, members of the public will be able to buy remembrance crosses and plant them in memory of members of their own family, friends or others who have lost their lives in service to their country during any conflict.

Royal British Legion remembrance crosses will be available to buy in Bourne Hall.

Coun Foote said: "The rights and freedoms we enjoy today are due to the actions of the men and women who died in the service of their country.

"Who knows what the individuals named on the borough war memorials would have achieved had they lived?

"It is appropriate that the children of the borough, who will hopefully reach their full potential, are the ones who will fashion the Bourne Hall Field of Remembrance."

Peter Perry, Epsom and Ewell branch secretary of The Royal British Legion, added: "I think that this will be very poignant, a visual manifestation representing people from this borough who served their country and gave their lives doing so - we must never forget their sacrifice."

Dedicate a tree for £20 to someone who lived or served in the First World War. Call 0800 915 1914 or go to www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/mylocalpaper.