Eastleigh is marking the 100th anniversary year of the end of the first world war today. The event pays tribute to Eastleigh’s role in the First World War.
In Eastleigh this afternoon, I visited a re-enactment of a field hospital, some vintage military vehicles, and have seen great displays by charities and businesses, such as Hampshire Scouts, One Community, Defense Medical Welfare Service, British Legion, Eastleigh and District Local History Society, Eastleigh Gurkha Nepalese Association, Royal Air Forces Association, the Rotary Club, Air Cadets, Peter Green, and local author Paul Nolan.
I spoke with Chandler’s Ford District Commissioner John Leeks about the Scouts’ contribution and its history over the past century.
John showed me the brief history of 1st Chandler’s ford Scout Group since 1909.
Queen’s Scouts formed a guard of honour during the Royal Visit by Queen Elizabeth II to Eastleigh in 1966.
John also insisted that I should have a photograph taken with a cut-out. He took this glamorous photo of me.
Video credit: Highway Solutions: Eastleigh Remembers – Danny Interviews Bruce Tennent, Nigel Paterson and Rev. Mac
Eastleigh Remembers – Danny Interviews Bruce Tennent, Nigel Paterson and Rev. Mac from Highway Solutions on Vimeo.
Re-enactment of a field hospital
The field hospital looked pretty real to me.
The Historic Knit: Joyce Meader
I spoke to Joyce Meader from The Historic Knit.
Joyce Meader is a historical knitting expert, who owns a very extensive collection of commercially printed knitting patterns. Her collection ranges from the 1817 to the present day.
Joyce told me that she used the patterns from the first world war period to recreate items for today’s displays, including medical dressings and bandages.
Joyce’s knitted garments have been used in films and re-anactors. She has also knitted for The National Army Museum Chelsea, Museum of Army Flying Middle Wallop, and the Mountain Heritage Trust Mallory Collection.
Video by Highway Solutions
Eastleigh Remembers – ‘Eastleigh Clearing Hospital’ a poem by Dave Hubble from Highway Solutions on Vimeo.
Eastleigh Remembers: Were you there?
I’ve taken some photos this afternoon to show you how wonderful and meaningful the event was. Were you there? What did you enjoy the most?
Vintage vehicles
Eastleigh Author Paul Nolan
Gramophone of WW1
Finally, here are a few tweets from Eastleigh that might interest you:
Eastleigh Borough: Romsey Old Cadets lead the parade to launch #EastleighRemembers
Romsey Old Cadets lead the parade to launch #EastleighRemembers. It’s a lovely day in the town centre. Why not join us? pic.twitter.com/rLVN4GEESC
— Eastleigh Borough (@EastleighBC) September 15, 2018
Eastleigh Borough: The Eeastleigh mayor Cllr Bruce Tennent visits the WW1 field hospital re-enactment at #EastleighRemembers
The @eastleighmayor Cllr Bruce Tennent visits the WW1 field hospital re-enactment at #EastleighRemembers pic.twitter.com/MUx8kjFKBS
— Eastleigh Borough (@EastleighBC) September 15, 2018
The Spitfires – 14th Eastleigh Scout & Guide Band entertain the crowd
The Spitfires – 14th Eastleigh Scout & Guide Band entertain the crowd at #EastleighRemembers pic.twitter.com/WcqJ0Hxs2H
— Eastleigh Borough (@EastleighBC) September 15, 2018
Eastleigh Borough: Fans of Dame Vera Lynn will love singer Diane James
Fans of Dame Vera Lynn will love singer Diane James who is back on the Leigh Road Rec bandstand at 3:15pm #EastleighRemembers pic.twitter.com/oiiRL8IZ7y
— Eastleigh Borough (@EastleighBC) September 15, 2018
Eastleigh Borough: Beautiful photos of today’s event
Beautiful photos of today’s event. Thanks for sharing Danny! #EastleighRemembers https://t.co/SfmjqQRA24
— Eastleigh Borough (@EastleighBC) September 15, 2018
Adam Manning: A wonderful event for #EastleighRemembers today
A wonderful event for #EastleighRemembers today. A moving tribute by @eastleighmayor and also lots to see and enjoy. Special thanks to @EastleighBC for all their hard work! pic.twitter.com/VlHxs9sNFt
— Adam Manning (@AdamManning) September 15, 2018
Adam Manning: The beautiful, golden voice of Diane James
The beautiful, golden voice of Diane James at #EastleighRemembers today. Brilliant Vera Lynn tribute! @EastleighBC pic.twitter.com/Oq4930pU9O
— Adam Manning (@AdamManning) September 15, 2018
A wonderful, memorable event by Eastleigh
Eastleigh really did well today. What a lot of effort had gone into the planning of such a memorable event. Once again Eastleigh has shown community spirit. People enjoyed themselves in songs and music today on such a glorious day. They also learnt from the displays of historic events and charitable deeds, and from the people who actively engage in promoting social cohesion. I’ve learnt a lot myself.
I may also need to start knitting again.
Eastleigh Remembers Video
Video credit: Highway Solutions: Eastleigh Remembers – ‘Eastleigh Clearing Hospital’ a poem by Dave Hubble
Eastleigh Remembers – ‘Eastleigh Clearing Hospital’ a poem by Dave Hubble from Highway Solutions on Vimeo.
Related posts:
St. George’s Day Parade Chandler’s Ford 2015
Chandler’s Ford St. George’s Day Parade 2016
Chandler’s Ford Scout District St. George’s Day Parade and Service 2017
Chandler’s Ford St George’s Day Parade 2019 with The 14th Eastleigh Scout and Guide Band (“The Spitfires”)
Chandler’s Ford St George’s Day Parade 28th April 2019
Great article, Janet. Sorry didn’t realise this was being held. Looks a wonderful event and I’m glad you’ve written about it.
Hi Allison,
This shows that EBC can improve marketing of their events. They do have great events but these have to be shared more widely. Check out the Event Page on Chandler’s Ford Today as I do add events there.
I met Paul and he said he also attended the Hursley Book Fair a while back. I mentioned your name to him as well.