We were very happy to be led in our service today by Jo Warwick, who reminded us about the lives of those from the village who died during the 2 world wars. He spoke about Major Eustace Crawley who lived in Ayot House and had an impressive sporting career; apparently just before he was killed in 1914 he spoke of his regret at the unlikelihood that he would be returning to Ayot for the Boxing Day Hunt....
It is sad, of course, that we know rather less about the "ordinary" men who are commemorated on the Memorial. We are, however, really grateful to Lindsay Jennings for all her work on researching the lives of these soldiers and airmen and producing the booklet given out during the service. She also put together the sandwich board next to the Memorial with photos lent to us by the families of those killed, for which we are very grateful. Thanks also to Viv who laid the wreath; she has 3 family members remembered on the Memorial. Finally many thanks to the Brocket Arms who provided tea and coffee afterwards. A collection of £243.58 was collected during the service for the Royal British Legion.
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